Newcastle United have verbally agreed a deal to sign Freiberg midfielder Johan Manzambi.
Former Newcastle United striker Louis Saha has questioned the club’s willingness to spend £50million on Freiberg midfielder Johan Manzambi.
Johan Manzambiplaceholder image
Johan Manzambi
The Magpies have verbally agreed a fee and personal terms with Manzambi, but a transfer won’t be finalised until he returns from the World Cup in North America.
After Liverpool hijacked their move for Spanish winger Victor Munoz, United are proceeding with a degree of caution given the level of interest in the 20-year-old, though are hopeful they can get a deal over the line.
Manzambi has been one of Switzerland’s star performers at the World Cup, scoring three goals - including a brace against Bosnia & Herzegovina - and registering two assists to help his country advance into the quarter-finals.
But even before the tournament had started, the Manzambi had attracted interest from other Premier League and European clubs after enjoying an excellent campaign with Freiberg, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists to help the Bundesliga outfit finish seventh and reach the Europa League final.
Louis Saha questions Johan Manzambi fee
Despite starring for club and country, Saha has doubts over whether Manzambi can step into a midfield that has lost Sandro Tonali and adapt to the Premier League straightaway.
“I think Johan Manzambi is a top talent, and he has been very impressive for Switzerland at the World Cup so far,” he told LiveFootballTickets. “However, the Premier League is a different beast and I don’t know if he is ready for that yet. He would be under immense pressure, especially if he is considered to be Tonali’s replacement. Those are big boots to fill.
“He is a great player, and I think he would be a great squad player at Newcastle, but I’m not sure they’d be spending £50m on a squad player. Therefore, I’d be cautious about buying him if I were Newcastle, as I don’t think he can come in, adapt and replace Tonali straight away.
“He may develop into that player, and if they have plans to sign other players, then I like the move more. However, if they are looking for a player to play Tonali’s role and succeed, then I don’t think Manzambi is the right signing, just off the back of a few good games at the World Cup.”
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