Newcastle United’s midfield search is becoming more urgent each passing as Eddie Howe is likely to lose both Sandro Tonali, already gone to Tottenham, and Bruno Guimaraes, on his way to Arsenal, during the past and next few days or weeks, forcing him into a full-blown rebuild at the position.
According to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, however, Newcastle are already working in fixing that by showing interest in SC Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi after his breakout World Cup performances for Switzerland.
“Newcastle are interested in Switzerland international midfielder Johan Manzambi,” Downie reported. “The SC Freiburg midfielder is valued at £42m. The 20-year-old has been a stand-out at the World Cup, scoring three goals for his country in the US, and is tipped for big things. Newcastle are looking at midfielders with Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes’ futures uncertain.”
According to Downie, the 20-year-old is valued at around £42million by Freiburg and has emerged as one of Switzerland’s standout players at the international tournament.
Manzambi scored three goals in the World Cup group stage, including twice against Bosnia-Herzegovina and the winner against Canada, helping Switzerland finish top of their group.
Tonali landed at Tottenham Hotspur for £100 million on July 1, while Arsenal have been linked with Guimaraes and an £80 million offer for the Brazil international.
Manzambi, meanwhile, has played on the wing for Switzerland in what could be a worrying case of misjudging his best skills and position if Newcastle want a true midfielder, but he was used mostly in the middle of the pitch by Freiburg last season, easing those concerns.
He produced seven goals and six assists across the Bundesliga and Europa League as Freiburg reached the Europa League final and finished seventh in Germany’s Bundesliga.
The Switzerland international already has 16 senior caps and six goals for his country after committing to Switzerland despite also being eligible through family background for Angola and DR Congo.
For now, Manzambi looks like another young, high-upside European target on Newcastle’s list, but no formal offer has been reported.
