Newcastle United transfers: The Magpies have missed out on Johan Manzambi after a drawn-out pursuit of the midfielder.
Newcastle United have suffered another summer transfer hijack with Aston Villa swooping in to complete a move for Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi.
The Magpies had verbally agreed a £51million deal with Freiburg to sign Manzambi but were waiting for the green light from the 20-year-old until after his World Cup campaign with Switzerland.
Manzambi had scored three goals and registered two assists for Switzerland at the World Cup before picking up an injury which saw him miss the 3-1 quarter-final defeat to holders Argentina.
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Aston Villa transfer hijack
Shortly afterwards, it was revealed that the young midfielder had agreed terms with Premier League side Aston Villa, rather than Newcastle.
As previously reported by The Gazette, the public nature of Newcastle’s pursuit of Manzambi in the media had led to some trepidation from people inside the club, fearing a repeat of the failed Victor Munoz pursuit. Newcastle thought they’d agreed a deal with Osasuna for Munoz, only for Liverpool to trigger his £35million release clause and strike a deal ahead of them.
Now, Villa have done the same with Manzambi - with the added lure of Champions League football and fresh from a Europa League win against Freiburg back in May.
Newcastle’s last two signings, Bazoumana Toure and Sean Steur were already effectively agreed before the news broke in the media. There’s a growing narrative that if Newcastle have a transfer pursuit play out publicly like Manzambi or Munoz, they could miss out if other clubs are interested.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed
Transfer narrative expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the imminent Manzambi move to Aston Villa on Monday morning with his ‘here we go’ catchphrase.
He wrote: “Johan Manzambi to Aston Villa, here we go! Verbal agreement in place for fee slightly in excess of €60m as Freiburg accept the proposal. Verbal agreement also with Manzambi and his agency over personal terms, long term deal in place. #AVFC completed the hijack.”
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