Johan Manzambi: Why Newcastle target is in demand
It’s been quite an uptick.
But Manzambi’s thirst for improvement has quickly attracted attention at Freiburg as he rises through the ranks following his move from Swiss side Servette in 2023.
After a particularly grueling training session with the reserves lasted much longer than planned, Manzambi even asked then-Freiburg II coach Benedetto Muzzicato if he could go over the game plan again because it “didn’t feel right”.
“He wants to improve every day,” Muzzicato said. “If something happens, you should slow it down instead of motivating it.”
This mentality has remained constant throughout his blossoming career and helps explain why Manzambi was on clubs’ radars long before the World Cup started.
He was one of the important names of the Freiburg team, which reached the Europa League final for the first time last season and followed in the footsteps of Rayan Cherki and Florian Wirtz by being selected as the young player of the season in the tournament.
This was Manzambi’s first full campaign as a starter but he scored 13 goals; these include long-distance clashes against Bayern Munich and Braga in the Bundesliga and Europa League respectively.
Manzambi’s versatility stood out, as did his ball-carrying ability, close control and ability to make things happen.
The Swiss has played in a variety of roles for club and country in the middle of the park, but has potentially excellent qualities as a box-to-box midfielder.
The data certainly shows that.
Among players of his position in the Bundesliga in 2025–26, Manzambi ranked first in progressive moves of 10-plus meters (116), shot-ending moves (13) and fouls won while opponents tried to stop him (78).
He finished second in total carries (71), opponent half throws (52) and total carry advances (2,476 metres).
Manzambi is far from completing the article, but he will be looking to develop an impressive campaign with, as Muzzicato puts it, “a very healthy and positive drive.”
“I remember right after Johan’s first touch I knew he was something special,” he added.
“His natural talent and understanding of the game was evident from the beginning. You could see it right away.
“But personally, he is the type of player that any coach would want in the team. He always wants to improve, asks the right questions and is eager to learn.”
