Newcastle United are already close to signing a replacement for Sandro Tonali, with the central midfielder set to join Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
It has always been difficult for Newcastle to retain top players, with Anthony Gordon joining FC Barcelona early on and missing out on European football altogether.
Víctor Muñoz was initially mentioned as a potential replacement for Gordon, but Liverpool’s sudden decision to sign the Spanish winger meant the Magpies had to move to an alternative target, with it widely reported that a deal had been agreed to sign Hoffenheim’s Bazmana Toure.
Tottenham will also need to improve their midfield options with Eddie Howe signing Tonali, who has agreed personal terms.
Football Fancast Verdict | |
|---|---|
reliability | Given that Tonali has been one of the most important players since joining from AC Milan and has missed just five Premier League games in the past two seasons, Newcastle will certainly need to sign a new central midfielder this summer. |
finances | It was previously reported that Freiburg could demand £42m for Johan Manzambi, with Tonali closing in on a big-money move to Spurs, but it would be a reasonable price for the Magpies, who raised a significant amount of money from the sale of Gordon. |
insight | Manzambi is only 20 years old, but he is already a regular starter at Freiburg, scoring five goals and providing five assists in 25 Bundesliga games last season. Journalist Bence Boxak also praised the young man, saying: “He is technically gifted, strong and very energetic. He always wants to be involved. Constant runs off the ball, is good at manipulating space and has great link-up play.” |
impact | The youngster appears to be being targeted as Tonali’s successor. Both midfielders created six big chances in the league last season, suggesting they have similar skill sets. However, given that Bruno Guimarães is in talks to join Arsenal, another midfielder may also be needed. |
Newcastle enter ‘advanced negotiations’ to sign Johan Manzambi
Newcastle are currently in “advanced negotiations” to sign the Freiburg star, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
Talks are still ongoing and the Magpies have indicated they still need to iron out some details, but are “optimistic” about getting an agreement over the line.
Newcastle need to sign an experienced midfielder alongside Johan Manzambi
The youngster has already made a big impact for Freiburg at the top level, and last season he played the fifth-most minutes in the Bundesliga for the club.
Johan Manzambi’s performance in the Bundesliga
Playing time 2,094 minutes
10 goals involved
1.4 successful dribbles per 90 attempts
20 opportunities were created
1.2 interceptions per 90
4.7 recoveries per 90
However, Newcastle could lose two of their most important players this summer, with Tonali and Guimarães making 232 Premier League appearances.
Newcastle may therefore need to sign a more experienced midfielder alongside Manzambi, but they appear to be planning to do so, having entered into negotiations to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmeka.
The 25-year-old has made 112 appearances for the German team, including 27 in the Champions League, showing he has the experience needed to replace Guimarães and Tonali in the engine room.
Ranking: Premier League’s best midfielders (2025/26)
Is anyone approaching Bruno Fernandes now?
