To be honest, no one knows what the 2026/27 season will bring for Newcastle United. Newcastle United’s superstar roster is dropping like flies, but they have also brought in some exciting new players.
It feels like we are heading into something of a transition period on Tyneside, but it remains to be seen whether Eddie Howe can afford to suffer and build next season.
After such a frustrating season in 2025/26, fans are hoping for a major facelift, and while that will certainly be difficult, the addition of Johan Manzambi could be a real game-changer.
What Manzambi brings to Newcastle
Newcastle slipped out of the Premier League last season and while Howe and his team are trying to rebuild, they have already faced a number of obstacles this summer, with the likes of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon being let go, and champions Arsenal also eyeing a move for captain Bruno Guimarães.
Some may feel that the Magpies are at the bottom of an insurmountable wall, but the future could be brighter given that they agreed a £51.5m deal with Manzambi this summer.
Still only 20 years old, the Freiburg midfielder combines speed, physicality and an innate hunger for goals and assists to impress for Switzerland at this summer’s World Cup.
This is simply a continuation of his efforts in Germany in Freiburg, and perhaps he will be more careful and balanced in his efforts.
His power and ability to play in a variety of midfield positions could make him a viable replacement for 29-year-old Joelinton, who has worked hard during his long career at Thun.
League form comparison (2025/26) | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (* per 90) | Joelinton | sin |
Match (start) | 27(23) | 27(26) |
Goal + Assist | 2+1 | 5+4 |
touch* | 44.4 | 55.1 |
Exact path* | 25.7 (83%) | 29.4 (84%) |
A big opportunity has arisen | 3 | 6 |
Key pass* | 0.6 | 0.7 |
Successful. dribble* | 0.6 (53%) | 1.2 (52%) |
Ball recovery rate* | 4.4 | 4.1 |
Def. Donation* | 4.2 | 3.7 |
Win a duel* | 5.5 (50%) | 6.6 (59%) |
Switzerland manager Jurat Makin added: “He can really play in any position,” further underscoring the feeling that Joelinton is the natural successor at St James’ Park.
But Newcastle may actually find themselves with another Joelinton-like player waiting to convert. He’s also more than just an up-and-coming Swiss superstar.
Newcastle already have more talent than Manzambi
Newcastle have a number of rising stars hoping to make it to the major stages, but they also have some established players who underperformed last year but could be part of a resurgence next term.
Take Nick Waltemade, for example. He signed from Stuttgart last summer for a club-record £69m, joining the Premier League outfit with high expectations and effectively replacing Alexander Isak after the Swedish striker left for Liverpool.
The strong start didn’t last, and Waltemade simmered down, like a pot accidentally brought to a boil. The German international scored eight goals in the Premier League last season, four of which came in the first five games.
His “link-up play is mesmerizing,” according to reporter Andy Sixsmith, and Howe thought outside the box to overcome too many problems, with varying success in a deeper playmaking role throughout the second half of the season.
In fact, one analyst and football consultant said his shift to deeper areas of the field is “similar” to the old decision to move Joelinton away from the number nine spot. A sharp and creative passer, he ranked among the top forwards in the Premier League in tackles last year, and there is no doubt that he has the potential to be a top-class player.
Perhaps a refreshed Newcastle could benefit him next season. After all, the 24-year-old’s market value has actually risen to £81m since his eventful maiden campaign in England, according to the CIES Football Observatory, which bodes well for the future.
Meanwhile, Manzambi’s actual market value is said to be £67 million, according to CIES.
Waltemade will need to dust himself off after a frustrating World Cup campaign against Germany, but he certainly has the potential to develop at Newcastle and alongside Manzambi, the powerful attacker could solidify prime Joelinton’s mentality for the next phase at St James’ Park.
