Johan Manzambi mapped it all out – and the 20-year-old Freiburg midfielder’s World Cup breakout has put Newcastle United on red alert. The Swiss star became the youngest player to record five goal involvements at a single World Cup since 1966, scoring a double against Bosnia and Herzegovina before adding a goal and an assist against Canada and setting up the opener in the win over Algeria. “I’m sure we will be hearing a lot more from him over the coming years,” said close friend Yann Sturm.
But Newcastle have already acted to reinforce their midfield, completing a deal for 18-year-old Ajax prodigy Sean Steur for up to £23m. The teenager landed on Tyneside on Wednesday, passed a medical and signed a five-year contract. “It’s an incredible feeling to be here,” Steur said. “It’s a giant club in the Premier League and it was always my dream to play in the best league in the world.” Head coach Eddie Howe called Steur a “top young prospect”, adding: “We see real potential in Sean.” The move comes after Sandro Tonali joined Tottenham for up to £100m and captain Bruno Guimaraes intimated he wants to leave for Arsenal, though Newcastle have had no contact from the Gunners.
“Newcastle sign teenage midfielder Sean Steur from Ajax for £23m and target World Cup star Johan Manzambi, while Manchester United agree £50m deal for Chelsea's Andrey Santos.”
Across Manchester, United have also pressed ahead with a midfield revamp. The Red Devils agreed a £50m deal to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea, comprising an initial £48m plus £2m in add-ons and a sell-on clause. Santos has been granted permission to travel for a medical today and is set to become Michael Carrick’s first signing since his permanent appointment as manager. “He’s a very, very good player with massive promise,” former Chelsea star Joe Cole said. “The unfortunate thing for Andrey is that the two positions he can play for Chelsea are taken by Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. He’ll definitely get more game time at Manchester United with Casemiro out of the picture now.” Santos made 43 appearances for Chelsea last season, while United have also agreed a £38.8m package for Atalanta’s Ederson.