Newcastle have struck gold in the new Joelinton who is more important than Manzambi

In fact, who knows what the 2026/27 campaign holds for Newcastle United, whose stars are dropping like flies, but who are arming themselves with exciting new players.

It feels like we could be heading for something of a turning point on Tyneside, but whether Eddie Howe can suffer and build next season remains to be seen.

After such a frustrating 2025/26 campaign, fans are hoping for a change of face, and while that will certainly be difficult, the arrival of Johan Manzambi could really make a difference.

What will come with Manzambi in Newcastle

Newcastle slipped to the top of the Premier League last season, and while Howe and his teammates have been trying to rebuild, they have encountered any number of obstacles this summer, with the likes of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon sold, with captain Bruno Guimaraes also in Arsenal’s sights.

There must be a feeling to some that the Magpies are standing under an impregnable wall, but having agreed a £51.5m fee to sign Manzambi this summer, the future could be bright.

The Freiburg midfielder, who is only 20 years old, played for Switzerland at the World Cup this summer, combining pace and physicality with a hunger for goals and assists.

This is simply a continuation of his efforts in Germany and Freiburg, where he was perhaps limited and moderate in his efforts.

His strength and ability to play in a variety of midfield positions could see him replace Joelinton, 29, who feels he lacks his former power, having put in heavy yards in a long career with the Toon.

Swiss manager Yurat Makin also said that “you can really use him in every position”, further emphasizing the idea that this is Joelinton’s natural successor in St. James’ Park.

However, Newcastle could find they have another Joelinton-esque player waiting to be converted. He is also worthy of surpassing the rising Swiss star.

Newcastle already have more talent than Manzambi

Newcastle have a cornucopia of young stars hoping to break into the big leagues, but they also have a few older players who, having underperformed last year, could be part of a revival next term.

Take Nick Woltemade, for example, who joined the Premier League side with the weight of expectation when he signed from Stuttgart for a club-record £69m last summer, effectively replacing Alexander Isak after the Swedish striker left Liverpool.

The strong start didn’t last, and Woltemade boiled over like an accidently fired pot. The German scored eight goals in the Premier League last season, but four of them came in his first five games.

“His link-up game is amazing”, according to journalist Andy Sixsmith, and he found different levels of success in the deep playing role in the second half of the season, Howe thought outside the box to overcome the fullness of his problems.

In fact, one analyst and football consultant noted that his move to the deep side of the field has been “similar” to that long-term decision to move Joelinton away from the No. 9 spot. A brilliant and intelligent passer who was also ranked among the Premier League’s top attacking players last year, there is no doubt that there are elite, hidden ones.

Perhaps a refreshed Newcastle could pay him dividends next season. After all, according to the CIES Football Observatory, the 24-year-old’s market value has soared to £81m since his tumultuous maiden campaign in England, with optimism for the future.

Manzambi’s real market value, currently, is said to be £67m, according to CIES.

Woltemade will need to dust himself off after a difficult World Cup campaign with Germany, but he certainly has the potential to improve at Newcastle, and with Manzambi, the loud striker could strengthen Joelinton at the next stage in St. James’ Park.