Aston Villa are hijacking Newcastle United's move for Johan Manzambi, with talks over a deal understood to be at an advanced stage.
Manzambi Favours Villa Move
The 20-year-old midfielder, who starred at the World Cup and during SC Freiburg's run to the Europa League final, favours a move to Villa over Newcastle. It would come as another major blow for Eddie Howe to lose another prime target in the transfer market, although BirminghamLive understands that a deal has not yet been finalised.
World Cup and Club Form
Manzambi scored three goals in four World Cup appearances this summer but missed Switzerland's Round of 16 and quarter-final matches against Colombia and Argentina through injury. After breaking into Freiburg's first team in the 2024/25 season, he established himself as one of the Bundesliga's most exciting young players last term. He scored five goals and registered a further five assists in 27 league appearances, while also featuring in all 15 of the German club's Europa League matches on their run to the final.
Impact on Newcastle
This development represents a significant setback for Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, who has seen several prime targets slip away in the current transfer window. The Magpies had been in advanced discussions with Freiburg for Manzambi, but Villa's late intervention has swayed the player's preference.
