Newcastle United are actively seeking a new midfielder this summer and have shifted focus to alternative targets after Switzerland international Johan Manzambi opted to join Aston Villa. The 20-year-old, who impressed for Switzerland at the World Cup and for Freiburg in the Bundesliga and Europa League, chose Villa Park over St James' Park.
Newcastle's Midfield Plans
The Magpies are now pursuing a Plan B in the midfield market, with several players under consideration. At least one more midfielder is expected to arrive, following the signing of Sean Steur from Ajax last week. The number could increase if Bruno Guimaraes departs for Arsenal.
Brazilian Targets
Two Brazilian internationals have emerged as targets: Danilo Santos of Botafogo and Joao Gomes of Wolverhampton Wanderers. Gomes, 25, joined Wolves from Flamengo in 2023 and has impressed in the Premier League, despite the club's relegation last season. A move to Atletico Madrid fell through earlier this summer, and he is also on the shortlists of Manchester United and Liverpool.
Chronicle Live revealed in January that Newcastle's then-recruitment chief Steve Nickson attended Wolves' 3-0 win over West Ham, where Gomes played a key role before being substituted at half-time as a precaution. Nickson, an influential talent spotter, also monitored teenage midfielder Mateus Mane and left-back Hugo Bueno during that match.
Other Prospects
Mane, 18, scored in that game and is highly regarded by several English clubs, though Wolves aim to retain him for their Championship promotion push. Bueno, 23, is a left-back, but Newcastle may prioritize a full-back capable of covering both sides, depending on budget.
