Newcastle United have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Freiburg's World Cup star Johan Manzambi for a fee in the region of €60m.
The 20 year-old, who has been one of the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup, has been one of Newcastle's key transfer targets this summer and it appears they have finally got their man.
The Magpies have seen an exodus of key stars so far this summer, having already sold Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali to Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, netting a combined £170m in fees.
Matters went from bad to worse last night as news broke that talismanic midfielder and captain Bruno Guimaraes had requested to leave the club, amid interest from Arsenal.
This would have left Lewis Miley, Jacob Ramsey, Joe Willock, Joelinton and new signing Sean Steur as the club's only midfield options going into the new season, meaning that new signings were desperately needed in that area.
According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenburg, an agreement has been reached between Newcastle United and Freiburg for the signing of John Manzambi, with the Magpies set to pay a fee, which equates to around £51m.
He reports that Newcastle are currently finalising the final terms of the agreement and have offered the Switzerland international a 'long-term' contract at St James' Park.
Plettenburg also reported that fellow Premier League outfit Aston Villa were also in the race for Manzambi's signature, following the ACL injury to Amadou Onana, but Newcastle are currently 'clear favourites' to sign the 20 year-old.
Manzambi played against Aston Villa in the UEFA Europa League final last season, impressing as one of the only shining lights in his team's comprehensive 3-0 defeat to Unai Emery's side.
The 20 year-old had a breakout season last term, scoring seven goals and registering nine assists in 47 matches across all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit, as they finished seventh in the German top flight and made a European final.
It is said that Manzambi, who is currently injured, is fully focused on the remainder of the World Cup, with Switzerland set to face off against Argentina in the quarter finals.
