Newcastle are close to announcing the signing of Johan Manzambi with the star giving sporting director Ross Wilson a verbal agreement on the deal
Switzerland's Johan Manzambi (9) celebrates after scoring during the World Cup Group B soccer match between Switzerland and Canada in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Newcastle are now closing in on signing Johan Manzambi(Image: AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Newcastle United are understood to have agreed a deal in principle for Johan Manzambi - after striking an agreement on personal terms.
A deal worth £49million has been agreed with SC Freiburg, and the player is keen to join the Magpies, but the transfer has yet to be rubber-stamped.
The deal comes in at slightly less than expected, but he could soon be a Newcastle player once his adventure in the US is over.
Manzambi will not sign the deal until after the World Cup is over, as Switzerland prepares to face Argentina in Kansas City for a huge quarter-final clash.
Newcastle are eager to get deals done after the sales of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, with PIF's vow to spend every penny earned on new stars.
Although the Bruno Guimaraes saga has not gone away, with the Brazil player still seemingly distracted by talk of Arsenal.
However, Newcastle have been working around the clock to sign new stars, and the 20-year-old's arrival would be a major lift for the fanbase.
The Magpies won't fully celebrate the arrival of Manzambi until he is through the training ground doors, but there is hope that he will stick to his word after an initial verbal agreement.
Newcastle are cautious after Victor Munoz did likewise earlier in the summer, but then opted for Liverpool at the 11th hour.
In the past, the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen have courted Manzambi, but Newcastle are trying to stay ahead in the race for the Swiss star this summer.
Manzambi's possible arrival has already had the approval of Newcastle legend Chris Waddle, who told 10bet: "Yeah, they want someone who is going to create and be dangerous.
"The sort of player where, when they pick the ball up, you wonder what he's going to do next because he's capable of beating men, making goals, and scoring himself. That is exactly the sort of player Newcastle need in the middle of the park."
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