Newcastle United is preparing to open formal negotiations with Bundesliga side SC Freiburg over a deal for 20-year-old Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi. The potential transfer, reportedly valued at up to €60M (roughly £42-51M), is already having a measurable effect on the player’s Sorare NFT card values.
The deal on the pitch
Manzambi, born October 14, 2005, burst into broader consciousness during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where his performances for Switzerland turned him from a promising Bundesliga talent into one of the most coveted young midfielders in European football. During the 2025-26 season, he logged 47 appearances with 16 goal involvements for Freiburg.
He debuted for Freiburg’s first team in August 2024 and scored his first goal the following April. By the time the 2025-26 campaign was in full swing, he’d cemented himself as a regular starter.
Newcastle is reportedly the frontrunner for his signature, with head coach Eddie Howe said to be optimistic about getting the deal across the line. As of early July 2026, internal discussions at the club are advanced, though formal club-to-club negotiations had not yet commenced. Freiburg’s €60M asking price reflects the premium added following his World Cup performances.
