Former Newcastle United striker Louis Saha has warned Johan Manzambi that he will have "big boots" to fill if he replaces Sandro Tonali, as the Magpies close in on a £50m deal for the Switzerland international.
Saha questions the fee for a fledgling star
Saha, who struggled to make an impact at Newcastle with only two goals in the 1998/99 season while competing with Alan Shearer, believes the Premier League is a "different beast" and questioned whether Manzambi is ready for the challenge. The 21-year-old has just 58 senior appearances and nine goals for SC Freiburg.
"I think Johan Manzambi is a top talent, and he has been very impressive for Switzerland at the World Cup so far," Saha said in an interview with LiveFootballTickets. "However, the Premier League is a different beast, and I don't know if he is ready for that yet. He would be under immense pressure, especially if he is considered to be Tonali's replacement. Those are big boots to fill."
Potential squad player, not immediate starter
Saha acknowledged Manzambi could become a valuable squad player but questioned the logic of spending £50m on a player who may not start immediately. "He is a great player, and I think he would be a great squad player at Newcastle, but I'm not sure they'd be spending £50m on a squad player," he said. "Therefore, I'd be cautious about buying him if I were Newcastle, as I don't think he can come in, adapt and replace Tonali straight away."
The former striker added that if Newcastle have plans to sign other midfielders, the move makes more sense. However, if Manzambi is expected to be Tonali's direct successor, Saha warned against the signing based on a few good World Cup performances.
Newcastle's pursuit of Manzambi
Newcastle United are reportedly close to finalising a deal for Manzambi, who has impressed for Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup. The Magpies are looking to bolster their midfield after Tonali's departure, with the Italian midfielder linked to a move away from St. James' Park.
Saha's comments serve as a cautionary note for the club, highlighting the risks of paying a premium for potential rather than proven Premier League quality.
