Aston Villa have joined the race to sign Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi, with manager Unai Emery’s side attempting to hijack Newcastle United’s proposed £50 million move for one of the breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to the BBC, Newcastle had been considered the frontrunners for the 20-year-old Freiburg midfielder, but Villa have now intensified efforts to bring the highly rated Swiss international to Villa Park.
If the deal goes through, it would surpass the £50 million Villa paid Everton for Amadou Onana in 2024, making Manzambi the club’s record signing.
Villa are keen to reinforce their midfield ahead of the new season amid uncertainty surrounding Youri Tielemans, who is in advanced talks over a move to Manchester United. The club is also facing the long-term absence of Onana, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Belgium’s World Cup round-of-16 victory over the United States.
Manzambi has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after young midfielders following an outstanding World Cup campaign with Switzerland.
The Freiburg star scored three goals and provided two assists, becoming the youngest player since 1966 to register five goal involvements at a single FIFA World Cup. His performances established him as one of the tournament’s biggest revelations.
Champions League football is believed to be a key factor in Villa’s pursuit, with Emery’s side set to compete in Europe’s premier club competition next season after securing qualification.
Manzambi is also familiar with Villa, having faced the Premier League club in the UEFA Europa League final in May, where Emery’s side claimed a 3-0 victory in Istanbul.
Villa are expected to balance their squad as they comply with UEFA’s financial regulations. Left-back Lucas Digne is close to completing a return to Paris Saint-Germain, while forward Lewis Dobbin is set to join Southampton in a deal worth around £9 million after failing to make a senior appearance following his move from Everton.
Despite Newcastle’s long-standing interest, Villa’s late intervention has turned the race for Manzambi into one of the summer’s biggest transfer battles, with the Switzerland international now weighing up his next move.
