Aston Villa have completed the signing of Johan Manzambi from SC Freiburg for a club-record £52 million. The 20-year-old midfielder has signed a long-term contract with Villa after choosing to join Unai Emery's side ahead of Newcastle United.
How Villa Hijacked the Deal
Villa hijacked Newcastle's move for the Switzerland international earlier this week after accelerating their interest following the ACL injury suffered by Amadou Onana. Manchester United had also indicated their intention to activate Youri Tielemans' £35 million release clause, with Villa now set to use those funds to sign Joao Gomes from Wolves.
Manzambi's International 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 during the 2024/25 season, he established himself as one of the Bundesliga's most exciting young players last term. He scored five goals and provided five assists in 27 league appearances, while also featuring in all 15 of Freiburg's Europa League matches during their run to the final.
Further Transfer Activity
Meanwhile, Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes is expected to join Villa shortly, while talks with Bayern Munich over a loan deal for Joao Palhinha are ongoing. Following Tielemans' move to Manchester United, Villa are also expected to confirm the departure of Lucas Digne to Paris Saint-Germain.
