Aston Villa have reached an agreement to sign Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi, hijacking a deal that Newcastle United had been expected to complete, according to FootballTransfers.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Villa agreed to pay a fee of just over €60 million, with personal terms already settled and a long-term contract in place.
“Johan Manzambi to Aston Villa, it’s happening! A verbal arrangement has been made for a fee just above €60 million, with Freiburg accepting the offer,” Romano wrote on X.
The 20-year-old Swiss international impressed during Switzerland’s run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, registering three goals and two assists in four matches. He also contributed 16 goals and assists in 47 appearances for Freiburg last season.
Newcastle had been close to signing Manzambi after the departure of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur, but Villa moved quickly to complete the transfer.
The failed pursuit is another setback for Newcastle in the transfer market after missing out on several targets in recent windows. With Manzambi no longer available, the Magpies are expected to explore alternative midfield options before the transfer window closes on September 1.
