Newcastle United suffered another blow in the transfer market on Sunday evening when Aston Villa hijacked their move for Switzerland international midfielder Johan Manzambi.
Details of the Hijack
The Magpies had agreed a transfer fee with Freiburg and personal terms with the 20-year-old, but the player wanted to wait until after the World Cup to decide his future. Villa outbid Newcastle on both the transfer fee and salary offer, and the lure of Champions League football tipped the scales in their direction.
This is the second time this summer a Newcastle move has been hijacked at the eleventh hour, after Liverpool secured Victor Munoz from Osasuna despite Newcastle having agreed a fee and personal terms.
Footage Confirms Move
Footage from the World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland on Sunday showed Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez shaking Manzambi's hand and asking: "[Are] You going to Villa?" Manzambi nodded and said yes, with Martinez then turning to Lionel Messi looking ecstatic. Less than 24 hours later, news of Manzambi's move to Villa was confirmed.
Argentina needed extra time to beat Switzerland 3-1 in Kansas City, setting up a semi-final clash against England in Atlanta.
Newcastle's Response
Newcastle are now actively searching for alternatives to Manzambi, having worked on other targets in case of this eventuality. They are now pursuing a Plan B for the 20-year-old midfielder.
