Sky Sport claim £51m Newcastle United deal agreed for Aston Villa transfer target
Newcastle United have agreed a deal to sign Aston Villa target Johan Manzambi, according to reports in Germany.
Newcastle United are progressing in talks with Freiberg to sign midfielder Johan Manzambi amid reports a £51million deal has been agreed.
The Magpies sold Sandro Tonali to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur for £100million but appear very close to bringing in two new midfielders.
United have officially announced the £23million arrival of 18-year-old Sean Steur from Dutch giants Ajax on a five-year contract.
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Newcastle United close in on deal for Johan Manzambi
And now it’s claimed that Eddie Howe’s side are closing in on another deal, with a fee agreed for World Cup star Manzambi, according to reports in Germany.
Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg wrote on X: “EXCLUSIVE | Newcastle and SC Freiburg have reached a full agreement over the transfer of Johan Manzambi worth €60m. All agreed between the clubs.
“#NUFC are now finalising the final details of the agreement with Manzambi. Long-term contract prepared.
“Aston Villa were also in the race following Amadou Onana’s ACL injury, but Newcastle are the clear favourites. Manzambi, who is currently injured, remains fully focused on the World Cup. @SkySportDE”
However, while a deal is understood to be progressing, suggestions that a full agreement is in place have been played down.
Sky Sports in England, via reporter Keith Downie, said: “Newcastle United are close to an agreement with Freiburg for midfielder Johan Manzambi — but there is still a little bit of work to do to agree the full fee. The German club value the Swiss international at £51m (€60m)
“Significant progress has been made in the last 24 hours and there is hope a deal can be struck. The player also needs to decide his destination, with other clubs interested in his services.
Signing Johan Manzambi would be a huge coup for Newcastle United
Manzambi, 20, has been one of the standout performers at the World Cup, scoring three goals - including a brace against Bosnia & Herzegovina - and registering two assists to help Switzerland advance into the quarter-finals.
It comes off the back of a standout campaign at club level, scoring seven goals and providing the same number of assists to help Freiberg finish seventh in the league and reach the final of the Europa League.
Switzerland face Argentina in the last eight on Sunday but Manzambi is a doubt for the game after missing the last 16 penalty shootout victory over Colombia with a knee injury.
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