Newcastle United 'ready to push' for Nick Woltemade-style deal for Man Utd target - claims Fabrizio Romano

Newcastle United held an interest in Freiburg star Johan Manzambi prior to his impressive performances for Switzerland at this summer’s World Cup finals - according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The 20-year-old midfielder enjoyed an outstanding season at club level after he scored five goals and provided five assists in 27 appearances to help Freiburg secure a seventh placed finish in the Bundesliga. Manzambi’s side also progressed to the semi-final of the German Cup and the youngster was influential in their run to the final of the Europa League before a 3-0 defeat against Aston Villa ended any thoughts of silverware.

Manzambi was named in the Switzerland squad for the World Cup finals and wasted little time in making an impact as he scored twice in a group stage win against Bosnia before finding the net once again and providing an assist in a 2-1 victory against Canada. The versatile midfielder was amongst the headlines once again when he provided an eye-catching assist in a round-of-32 win against Algeria on Friday and will hope to help his side reach the quarter-final when they face Colombia on Tuesday night.

Speculation over a potential move to Newcastle and interest from elsewhere has dominated the headlines throughout the tournament and there are reports suggesting the Magpies have already held talks with Freiburg over a possible agreement. Transfer journalist Romano has now claimed United are ‘preparing their first official bid’ and also revealed they will hope to replicate the quickfire deals they struck for fellow Bundesliga stars Nick Woltemade and Bazoumana Toure to see off any competition for his services.

‘Accelerate the process’ - Fabrizio Romano

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Talking about players who are at the World Cup, we also have to mention Manzambi, this very talented player from Switzerland, five goal contributions, scoring, providing assist, one of the most interesting talents appearing on scene from the 2026 World Cup. For Manzambi, what I can tell you is that Newcastle are preparing their first official bid. They already had some contacts on players' side over the recent weeks, Newcastle were already scouting the player, then his performances at the World Cup, is obviously contributing to accelerate the process.

“Freiburg are going to ask for important money, so it's not going to be a cheap deal, but Newcastle love to get players from Germany and in a surprising way, they did that with Woltemade, closed in 24 hours, they did that with Bazoumana Touré, closed in 24 hours, and now they are trying the same also with Manzambi from Freiburg. So the Switzerland talent is a top target for Newcastle. Again, we have to see, because Freiburg want to wait a little bit, why the deal was not closed this fast? Because Freiburg want to wait to ask more money, game after game, and also because they feel that maybe other clubs could join the race if the player keeps performing well. But Newcastle are ready to push.”

Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in Manzambi and are currently assessing their midfield options in the market.

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