🚨 BREAKING: Despite All the Stats Suggesting He Belongs at St James’ Park, Newcastle Are Still Delaying a Move for This Highly Wanted Star

Newcastle United have reportedly been told they lead Manchester United in the race to sign World Cup star Johan Manzambi. The Switzerland midfielder has registered three goals and two assists at the tournament in the United States, performances which have alerted several Premier League clubs.

During the 2025/26 season with Freiburg, Manzambi recorded 16 goal contributions across all competitions, but it has been his displays on the global stage that have truly caught the eye. Unsurprisingly, the Bundesliga club are keen to capitalize on his soaring value and have reportedly set an asking price of around £51 million.

The Magpies are monitoring Manzambi’s situation closely, with fresh internal discussions held over a possible transfer. Should those talks progress to negotiations with the player’s representatives or Freiburg in the coming weeks, Newcastle would appear to be in a strong position to secure the signature of the 20-year-old.

According to reports, Eddie Howe’s side are currently at the front of the queue to sign Manzambi, with the financial package required for both the player and his club not expected to present a major obstacle.

Newcastle are also searching for reinforcements in central midfield following Sandro Tonali’s £100 million move to Tottenham. Although Manzambi has featured in more advanced positions during the World Cup, he made numerous appearances in central midfield for Freiburg and could emerge as a potential replacement for the Italian international.

Manchester United were also credited with interest in Tonali before deciding that the overall cost of a deal was too high. Reports suggest the Red Devils remain interested in Manzambi after tracking his progress for some time, although their immediate focus is believed to be elsewhere.

While Bruno Guimarães, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento have all been linked with potential exits, Newcastle have already strengthened their squad this summer with the arrival of Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim in a deal worth £43 million. The winger arrived as the replacement for Anthony Gordon, who completed a £69 million move to Barcelona earlier in the transfer window.