It has been reported that Newcastle United have agreed a deal in principle with Freiburg to sign Swiss international Johan Manzambi for €60 million (£51.2m).

At just 20 years old, the midfielder enjoyed a spectacular breakthrough season during the 2025-26 campaign, becoming instrumental in Freiburg's run to the Europa League final.

Furthermore, Manzambi has recently burst into the spotlight after impressing for Switzerland at the current World Cup.

As a result, Newcastle are evidently keen to get such a promising prospect over the line as they prepare to replace the confirmed departure of Sandro Tonali and the rumoured exit of Bruno Guimaraes in central midfield.

However, the Magpies could yet face late competition for his signature, with Premier League rivals Aston Villa among the clubs hoping to hijack a deal for the highly sought-after youngster.

Why Is Johan Manzambi So Highly Rated?

After breaking into Freiburg's first team during the latter stages of the 2024-25 season, Manzambi quickly established himself as a key figure in the club's impressive Europa League campaign and a solid seventh-place Bundesliga finish, scoring some spectacular goals along the way.

The Geneva-born talent has already earned 16 caps for Switzerland, scoring six goals in those appearances.

Manzambi's Breakout World Cup Raised His Stock

More notably, Manzambi has been in record-breaking form for his national side at the current World Cup, further elevating his reputation on the global stage.

In Switzerland's 4-1 group-stage win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Manzambi scored twice after coming off the bench, becoming the youngest Swiss player ever to score a World Cup brace at 20 years and 247 days old.

Furthermore, the brace made him the youngest player ever to score twice as a substitute in a World Cup match, as well as the first Swiss player to score multiple goals after coming off the bench in the competition.

Manzambi's impressive form refused to slow down. A goal and an assist in Switzerland's 2-1 win over Canada earned him the Man of the Match award, before he added another assist in the nation's 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Algeria.

With five goal contributions at this tournament, Manzambi is also the youngest player in more than 60 years to record such a tally at a single World Cup.

Unfortunately, the midfielder was ruled out of Switzerland's Round of 16 tie against Colombia after suffering a knee injury in training. Despite Switzerland progressing via a penalty shootout, Manzambi remains a doubt for their quarter-final clash with Argentina early on Sunday morning (02:00 BST).

Nevertheless, having been described by Freiburg manager Benedetto Muzzicato as "exactly the kind of player every coach wants," "eager to learn," and possessing a "very healthy and positive drive," Manzambi appears to be an excellent and mature addition for any team.

Read More: How Johan Manzambi Is Leading Switzerland’s Next Generation at the 2026 World Cup

Can Newcastle Get Manzambi Over the Line?

Even if personal terms for the Swiss star are reportedly being agreed at this moment, nothing has been guaranteed just yet.

Especially in recent times, Newcastle have found themselves on the receiving end of unfortunate late hijacks for prime targets, most notably Victor Munoz only a handful of weeks ago.

The Magpies believed they were close to finalising a deal for the Osasuna forward, but Liverpool quickly moved behind the scenes to secure the Spanish international for €40 million (£34.5m).

Newcastle will undoubtedly be wary of further interference, but they have continued to demonstrate their transfer capabilities through the recent acquisitions of other young prospects such as Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur and Ewen Jaouen this summer.

Why Aston Villa Could Complicate The Deal

Aston Villa are reportedly very keen on Manzambi following their own midfield setback, with Belgium international Amadou Onana suffering an ACL rupture during their recent 4-1 victory over the USA.

According to talkSPORT the Villans are willing to match Newcastle's €60 million (£51.2m) offer and could potentially use their European football commitments this season as an advantage in negotiations.

Villa have also held an interest in Manzambi for some time, making them a serious threat to Newcastle's pursuit. However, the Magpies remain the frontrunners to secure his signature, with negotiations reportedly continuing behind closed doors and further details being kept private for now.