Sources: Why Newcastle are set to lose out on Johan Manzambi as ‘key’ to Aston Villa deal revealed

Newcastle United have lost out on the signing of Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi due to their lack of European football for 2026-27, sources have told Football Insider. 

Aston Villa are now on the verge of landing the 20-year-old midfielder, after the Magpies had previously been closing in on a deal. 

The Villans’ successful hijack of the deal has hinged on their ability to offer European football, with the chance to play in the Champions League understood to be “key” to them tempting Manzambi. 

Sources say that the starlet wants to continue his rise by playing at the highest possible level next season, something which Villa are far better placed to offer. 

The Switzerland international is also said to have been impressed by Unai Emery’s side when they defeated Freiburg 3-0 in May’s Europa League final. 

Newcastle had been “hopeful” of securing Manzambi’s signature just a matter of days ago, but have now been left to explore other targets.

Newcastle’s difficult summer continues 

Newcastle were always likely to face a rebuild this summer, but things have undoubtedly not gone to plan for them across the board so far. 

Big-money sales of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali have unlocked their ability to spend, but have also left Eddie Howe’s squad significantly weaker. 

They are also now fighting to keep hold of influential captain Bruno Guimaraes, who has been subject to heavy interest from Arsenal in recent days. 

Howe and Co. had looked well-placed to bring in Manzambi in order to replace some of their lost attacking quality, but they have now been dealt another big blow. 

It is proving to be a difficult summer for Newcastle and their PIF ownership, with the fans growing restless after the team failed to meet expectations last season. 

PIF walking ‘tightrope’ at St James’ Park

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider last week that PIF are walking a “tightrope” at St James’ Park amid “tension” between them and the supporters.

The Scottish businessman made it clear that the Tynesiders cannot unlock their true spending potential until their revenue is boosted, despite fans’ frustrations. 

Wyness emphasised that he is “surprised” that PIF haven’t done more to try to generate further lucrative sponsorship opportunities, in order to realise their ambitions for the club. 

He suggested that increased revenue is the “only way” the club can truly begin to challenge the established elite on a regular basis.