Johan Manzambi to cost €60m as Newcastle talks intensify - Sky Sports Germany
Newcastle United are in hot pursuit of Switzerland star Johan Manzambi, but things may not be as advanced as we hoped.
After announcing the arrival of Bazouman Toure, Newcastle will now turn their attention to finding a replacement for Sandro Tonali, who is Tottenham Hotspur-bound.
Freiburg and Switzerland star Johan Manzambi is thought to be at the top of Newcastle's list to fill this position, but after such a stellar World Cup campaign, there is expected to be some competition for his signature.
Newcastle have reportedly been told they are at the front of the queue for the 20-year-old, but we've been there before and still missed out, so there's a bit of anxiety in the air over whether Newcastle can get this done.
Sky Sports Germany gave a big update on Manzambi
The money side of things isn't thought to be a problem in terms of transfer fees and wages, but Sky Sports Germany posted an update on X on Sunday, which suggests that there's still a long way to go.
They report that Newcastle are showing intense interest, and are aware of Freiburg’s €60m (£51m) demands after the midfielder has shone at the World Cup, scoring three and assisting two for Switzerland.
🚨Exclusive Sky Sport Info!
▶️ Mega-Price Tag for Freiburg's World Cup Star!
▶️ Newcastle United is intensively engaged with Johan Manzambi
▶️ Newcastle knows all relevant contract details and financial framework conditions
▶️ Concrete negotiations between Newcastle and SC Freiburg have not yet begun
▶️ There is currently no agreement between the clubs
▶️ SC Freiburg is currently envisioning a transfer fee of up to 60 million euros following Manzambi's strong World Cup performances
▶️ Several other top clubs are monitoring the 20-year-old Swiss midfielder
Get a move on, lads
A price tag of €60million (£51 million) is probably higher than Newcastle were originally expecting to pay, but after his World Cup heroics, it's hardly surprising that the fee has crept up.
Our concern is more around who these other 'top clubs' are and how keen they are to make their move.
No concrete talks have taken place, but there must have been some contact if Newcastle have been told they're in pole position. That must have come from somewhere, unless it was straight from Craig Hope's brain.
We've got everything crossed that things start to pick up pace this week and we can get this one over the line as Johan Manzambi looks amazing.
