Newcastle United have agreed a transfer deal with SC Freiburg to sign Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi, with reported fees ranging from about £51.5m to €60m. Multiple reports say the 20-year-old is expected to join the Premier League club on a long-term contract after completing the necessary steps for a move. Newcastle’s agreement also comes with an internal message regarding squad planning: they insist that midfielder Bruno Guimarães is not for sale despite interest and links that have circulated this summer.
The completion of Manzambi’s transfer is described as dependent on timing around Switzerland’s run at the World Cup. One report says the deal will not be finalised while Switzerland are still in the tournament, and notes Manzambi is carrying a minor knee injury that may affect his availability. Switzerland’s head coach is reported to be assessing whether Manzambi will recover in time for a quarter-final against Argentina. Overall, the reporting indicates Newcastle and Freiburg have reached terms, while the player’s fitness and tournament schedule determine when the move is formally concluded.
