Johan Manzambi has snubbed a move to Newcastle United to join Aston Villa
Johan Manzambi of Switzerland
Johan Manzambi of Switzerland
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Newcastle United were hit by a major blow over the weekend after Johan Manzambi opted to join Aston Villa this summer instead of the Magpies.
United had a transfer offer accepted from Freiburg and had agreed personal terms with the 20-year-old but the Switzerland international wanted to wait until his World Cup campaign was over to make a final decision.
So when Switzerland were beaten by Argentina in Sunday's quarter-final, Manzambi stayed true to his word and made his decision less than 24 hours later, snubbing Newcastle's offer to join Villa and their offer of higher wages and Champions League football this season.
It was a huge blow for Newcastle, especially given it was the second time this summer they have been gazumped for a Premier League rival after agreeing a deal, after Victor Munoz joined Liverpool, instead of the Magpies, from Osasuna.
But it means Newcastle have to go back to the drawing board, with sporting director Ross Wilson working on a list of alternative targets to Manzambi.
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Even though Manzambi will be playing his football in the West Midlands as opposed to the North East next season, Newcastle's transfer chase can be instructive in terms of the type of player they will be targeting in his place.
Manzambi was described to Chronicle Live as a 'great box-to-box player who can be helpful in the offence and defence, who has a really good shot and is very intelligent in his decision making,' by Linus Uhrig, Freiburg reporter for BILD.
Meanwhile, Swiss football expert Craig King told Chronicle Live his versatility and his fearlessness were why Newcastle were so attracted to signing Manzambi this summer.
"I think this past season and especially the World Cup has illustrated the kind of versatile player that he is," King said. "It is a little unusual for a national team to be able to call on a player that can be deployed in so many roles but that is what Manzambi gives Switzerland (and also Freiburg at club level).
"When you add in the fearlessness, his willingness to take on his opponent and general work rate, you have quite the exciting player. I would say his best role differs from club to country. At Freiburg he is often used as a midfielder and has had a fantastic season in the Bundesliga whereas with then national team, he has been most effective out wide, especially during the World Cup.
"I think he has the quality to succeed in any league. He has shown glimpses of it in the Europa League and also in this World Cup already. It may take some adjustment to the Premier League but if Newcastle are willing to give him proper opportunities and develop him, then he can become a key player."
Newcastle's transfer policy this summer would suggest any Manzambi alternative will be fairly young and plying his trade outside of the Premier League.
Stats website DataMB ranks Manzambi in the 96th percentile across Europe's top seven leagues for progressive carries and the 88th percentile for key passes and it is clear it is desirable for any midfield signings to possess those qualities.
Two interesting players their player similarity tool generator brought up as close profiles to Manzambi are Bologna's Scottish international midfielder Lewis Ferguson and Bayer Leverkusen star Ibrahim Maza.
Ibrahim Maza of Bayer 04 Leverkusen challenges Ben White of Arsenal
Ibrahim Maza of Bayer 04 Leverkusen challenges Ben White of Arsenal
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Two years ago Ferguson was named the best midfielder in Serie A and helped his side qualify for the Champions League, but at 26 probably wouldn't be an option Newcastle would pursue.
Maza, on the other hand, is 20 years of age and impressed against Newcastle when they faced Leverkusen in the Champions League last term. He is a profile that seems to fit Newcastle's transfer policy more.
That is not to say either player will be on their list but it will be players of that ilk, with their qualities, Newcastle will target this summer in Manzambi's place.