Manzambi has impressed at the World Cup Alex Grimm/Getty Images
July 7, 2026 Updated 4:36 am EDT
Newcastle United are set to open talks with Freiburg in the coming days as they step up their pursuit of midfielder Johan Manzambi.
The Switzerland international has risen to wider prominence during the World Cup but was already being tracked by leading clubs and as things stand Newcastle are in the strongest position to close a deal.
Manzambi is keen on the opportunity, with the St James’ Park side working to secure his signature.
The Athletic reported on Tuesday Newcastle were continuing to work on a move for Manzambi, and are prioritising a move for the Switzerland international this window.
Newcastle have already seen Sandro Tonali depart for Tottenham Hotspur in a deal that could be worth up to £100million ($133m). There is also interest from Arsenal in his central midfield partner from last season, Bruno Guimaraes, whose World Cup journey with Brazil ended on Sunday, though Newcastle have strongly insisted he is not for sale.
Newcastle are also working to complete a deal for 18-year-old midfielder Sean Steur from Ajax.
Manzambi, 20, has provided three goals and two assists for Switzerland at the World Cup. Switzerland face Colombia in the last-16 on Tuesday.
The midfielder scored a second-half double from the bench in a 19-minute cameo against Bosnia and Herzegovina before scoring again after starting Switzerland’s final group game against co-hosts Canada.
Manzambi has made 58 appearances for Freiburg, scoring nine times, since making his debut for the club in August 2024. He started his career as Swiss club Servette, before moving to Freiburg’s academy in 2023.
Jul 7, 2026
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