Newcastle are in advanced talks to sign Johan Manzambi following the renewal of Sandro Tonali
Newcastle United are already closing in on Sandro Tonali’s replacement, and the midfielder is set to join Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
It was always going to be difficult for Newcastle to hang on to their top players, after missing out on European football entirely, with Anthony Gordon joining FC Barcelona at the start of the window.
Initially, Victor Munoz was identified as Gordon’s replacement, but Liverpool swooped in to sign the Spanish midfielder, meaning the Magpies had to move on to other targets, with Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Toure widely reported to have been agreed.
Eddie Howe will also need to improve his options in the middle of the park, with Tottenham closing in on a deal to sign Tonali, who has agreed personal terms.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
Newcastle will certainly need to sign a new midfielder this summer, as Tonali has been one of their most important players since arriving from AC Milan, missing just five Premier League games in the past two seasons. |
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Finance |
It was previously reported that SC Freiburg may want £42m for Johan Manzambi, which will mean that the Magpies have raised a lot of money from the sale of Gordon, while Tonali is about to close a move to Spurs for a large amount of money. |
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Understanding |
Although Manzambi is only 20 years old, he is already a regular starter for Freiburg, registering five goals and five assists in 25 Bundesliga games last season. Journalist Bence Bocsak is also full of praise for this young man, saying: “He is technically gifted, strong and very enthusiastic. He always wants to be involved. Constant runs off the ball, has the ability to use space and play well in coordination.” |
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Impact |
This young player looks like he will replace Tonali. Both midfielders created six big chances in the league last season, suggesting they have similar skills. However, another midfielder could be needed, as Bruno Guimaraes is in talks to join Arsenal. |
Newcastle are in “advanced talks” to sign Johan Manzambi
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Newcastle are now in “advanced discussions” to sign the Freiburg star.
Talks are still ongoing, suggesting the Magpies still need to iron out a few details, but are “hopeful” of getting a deal over the line.
Newcastle need to sign an experienced midfielder and Johan Manzambi
The youngster has already made a big impact for Freiburg at the top level, recording the club’s most played five minutes in the Bundesliga last season.
Johan Manzambi’s performance in the Bundesliga
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2,094 minutes played
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10 goal involvement
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1.4 successful dribbles per 90
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20 chances created
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1.2 out of 90
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4.7 acquisitions of 90 each
However, Newcastle could lose two of their most important players this summer, with Tonali and Guimaraes having made 232 Premier League appearances between them.
As such, Newcastle may need to sign an experienced midfielder alongside Manzambi, which they appear to be planning to do, having entered into talks to sign Felix Nmecha from Borussia Dortmund.
The 25-year-old has made 112 appearances for the German side, including 27 in the Champions League, showing he has the necessary experience to replace Guimaraes or Tonali in the engine room.
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