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Newcastle loses marquee signings Manzambi, Ekitike to Premier League rivals

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 18, 2026, 6:25 AM

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

Newcastle loses marquee signings Manzambi, Ekitike to Premier League rivals

Summary

Newcastle United continues to struggle in the transfer market, with Johan Manzambi opting for Aston Villa despite an agreement with SC Freiburg. This follows a pattern of unsuccessful pursuits, including Hugo Ekitike, who chose Liverpool after Newcastle's bid. The club has lost key targets like James Trafford to Manchester City and Joao Pedro to Chelsea. Newcastle's efforts to strengthen their squad this summer have not gained traction, as top players select rivals over the Magpies. The trend raises questions about Newcastle's project under current management.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Manzambi turns down Newcastle for Aston Villa despite a £49m agreement.
•Trafford chose Manchester City over Newcastle after a £31m bid.
•Joao Pedro signed for Chelsea after Newcastle's multiple bids.
•Newcastle's transfer market struggles have persisted over two summers.
•Ekitike signed for Liverpool shortly after Newcastle's record bid.

Latest Updates

6:25 AMYahoo Sports — From Ekitike to Manzambi: How Newcastle keep losing marquee signings to Premier League rivals

What they're saying

"
Newcastle United have endured a nightmare in the transfer market over the last two summers, with the Magpies repeatedly beaten to key targets.Johan Manzambi has become the latest to turn down a transf...
— Yahoo Sports

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