Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi celebrates scoring for Switzerland

Johan Manzambi is having a brilliant World CupImago

Newcastle fans will love what Bastian Schweinsteiger said aboutJohan Manzambi

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

03 Jul 2026, 7:05 pm

Newcastle United are aiming to complete the signing of World Cup star Johan Manzambi this summer transfer window.

The Switzerland international has been one of the players of the tournament so far, and picked up another assist as his nation beat Algeria 2-0 on Friday.

Newcastle are expected to launch a move for the 20-year-old Freiburg star as soon as the Swiss are knocked out of the tournament.

Before the World Cup began, the midfielder was also in fine form for the German outfit, which helped them qualify for the Europa Conference League.

This saw German legend Bastian Schweinsteiger come out and praise the star in May, which will delight many of the St James’ Park faithful.

Bastian Schweinsteiger: Johan Manzambi is technically very good

The 2025-26 campaign was no doubt a successful one for Manzambi.

Overall, he scored five goals and picked up four assists in the Bundesliga.

On top of this, he also helped Freiburg reach the Europa League final, before they were dispatched by Aston Villa.

Nevertheless, Schweinsteiger likes what he has seen from the 20-year-old and was quick to praise the midfielder.

Back on 7 May, he told SRF: "He knows what to do on every square meter of the pitch.

"Manzambi is an all-rounder. He can run a lot, he's technically very good, he can dribble, he can score goals."

Reading this, Newcastle fans will be extremely excited and will be hopeful that they can get the deal over the line in the coming weeks.

Johan Manzambi: Thomas Muller told Bayern Munich to sign Newcastle target

How good has Manzambi been at the 2026 World Cup?

So far in the 2026 World Cup, Manzambi has been excellent.

Overall, he has netted three times and picked up two assists in four matches, which has helped Switzerland reach the round of 16.

According to Fotmob on 3 July, so far this tournament, he has averaged 1.35 goals, a 0.35 xG, 2.70 shots, 0.90 assists, 1.35 big chances created, 2.25 successful dribbles and 6.30 touches in the opposition box per 90 minutes.

If these stats can be replicated in the Premier League, Manzambi could end up being one of the best signings in the Magpies’ recent history.

However, it remains to be seen if they can get the deal over the line in the coming weeks.

Manzambi's next game in the World Cup comes on Tuesday, where they will face either Ghana or Colombia in the round of 16.

Newcastle United Football Club

Johan Manzambi