Aston Villa have moved ahead of Newcastle United in the race to sign Johan Manzambi, completing a dramatic late intervention after the Magpies had already reached an agreement with SC Freiburg.
Newcastle believed they were close to securing the 20-year-old Switzerland international after agreeing a transfer worth approximately €60 million, or £51.2 million, with the Bundesliga club. The move advanced far enough for preparations surrounding a medical to begin.
However, Manzambi had not finalized personal terms and reportedly held reservations about joining Newcastle. That hesitation created an opening for Aston Villa, who entered negotiations and presented the midfielder with a more attractive sporting project.
Villa are now expected to complete the transfer after agreeing a package reported at approximately £49 million, with other reports indicating the total value could rise closer to €70 million through bonuses.
The move represents another major setback for Newcastle during a difficult summer transfer window. Eddie Howe’s side had identified Manzambi as an important addition while reshaping their midfield, but the club has now watched another advanced deal collapse because of late competition.
Aston Villa can offer Manzambi Champions League football after finishing fourth in the Premier League. Their recent Europa League triumph and Unai Emery’s record of developing young players also strengthened their position during negotiations.
Manzambi emerged as one of Switzerland’s standout performers at the 2026 World Cup. He scored three goals and contributed two assists in four games before a left knee injury ended his involvement in the team’s last two games in the tournament.
The midfielder also produced seven goals and nine assists across 47 appearances for Freiburg last season. Although he has been used on the wing for Switzerland, he has regularly operated centrally at club level, giving Villa a versatile player capable of contributing in several attacking and midfield roles.
His speed, ball-carrying ability, confidence in possession, and willingness to attack defenders made him one of the most sought-after young players of the summer.
The transfer also carried an unusual moment after Switzerland’s 3-1 quarterfinal defeat to Argentina. Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was filmed asking Manzambi whether he was joining Villa, only hours before reports emerged that the club had overtaken Newcastle.
For Aston Villa, the deal represents an ambitious investment in a player whose reputation rose considerably during the World Cup.
For Newcastle, it is another painful reminder that reaching an agreement with a selling club does not guarantee the player will follow.
