Newcastle United legend Chris Waddle has urged the Magpies to make a move for World Cup star Johan Manzambi, the SC Freiburg midfielder valued at £51 million. The former England international believes the 25-year-old could provide the creative spark Eddie Howe's side desperately needs following the departures of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer.
Waddle calls for creative midfielder
Speaking to 10bet, Waddle said: "Yeah, they want someone who is going to create and be dangerous. The sort of player where, when they pick the ball up, you wonder what he's going to do next because he's capable of beating men, making goals, and scoring himself. That is exactly the sort of player Newcastle need in the middle of the park."
Waddle highlighted the need for a number 10, noting that current midfield options like Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes are tidy but lack flair. "What they really need is a number 10; they need a creative player," he added. "If there were a creative number 10 available to play off the centre-forward, that would help Newcastle a lot."
Transfer activity and squad depth concerns
Newcastle have already completed a £43 million deal for Bazoumana Touré, who will compete on the left flank following Gordon's £69.3 million sale to Barcelona. Waddle feels the wide areas are covered with Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy, Anthony Elanga, Yoane Wissa, and William Osula. However, he emphasised that squad depth remains a major issue, especially after the exits of Tonali and potentially Guimaraes, who is linked with Arsenal.
Waddle also suggested that another defender would be wise, given the departures of Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth. "The back four seems to be getting sorted out. Obviously, Trippier has moved on, and Livramento is a concern with his injuries, but Lewis Hall had a great season. Malick Thiaw is at the back now with Dan Burn and Fabian Schar, so that's not too bad—though maybe they could use one more centre-half," he said.
Youth prospects and future plans
Waddle pointed to Lewis Miley as a promising option, having just signed a six-year contract. "Lewis Miley should get in the team this year; he has just signed a six-year contract, and they have high expectations for him. He is a good player who can go into that midfield, but he is very similar to what they already have. That's why if I were looking at the market, I'd be searching for a really creative player," Waddle concluded.
