A report says Newcastle have reached a verbal agreement with Freiburg for Manzambi in a proposed £49m deal, with personal terms also reportedly settled. The transfer is not confirmed, however, and the 20-year-old is said to want to wait until Switzerland’s World Cup campaign ends before signing.
That delay leaves Newcastle vulnerable to late competition. The club’s need for midfield depth has reportedly increased after Anthony Gordon moved to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali joined Tottenham Hotspur, while Bruno Guimaraes has been linked with Arsenal.
Newcastle’s cautious approach is understandable after reportedly missing out on Victor Munoz to Liverpool. But the longer Manzambi remains available, the greater the risk that another club tests the agreement.
Celtic are reportedly pushing to sign Emam Ashour from Al Ahly, with a fee of about £4m expected. The Egypt international is said to have started every match at the World Cup, strengthening his appeal beyond the domestic market.
The report says Ashour is open to a move to Glasgow, where Champions League football could prove decisive. West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Saudi club NEOM FC are also reportedly interested.
Celtic may face another decision over Daizen Maeda. Brentford are said to be leading the race for the Japan international, who has recorded 79 goals in 212 Celtic appearances and won five Scottish Premiership titles.
Aston Villa could reportedly revive their interest in Sporting’s Pedro Goncalves after the Portuguese club lowered its valuation. A previous £33.8m offer was rejected, but the asking price is now said to have fallen to between €20m and €25m.
The next key movement should come after the World Cup, when Manzambi decides his future and Celtic’s targets face clearer choices. Until contracts are signed, each deal remains open to a late twist.