By Adegboyega Adeleye
Aston Villa have entered the race to sign Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi, with Unai Emery’s side working 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 appeared to be leading the race for the 20-year-old Freiburg midfielder, but Villa have now intensified efforts to lure the highly-rated Swiss international to Villa Park.
The deal, if completed, would surpass the £50 million Villa paid Everton for Amadou Onana in 2024, making Manzambi the club’s record signing.
Villa are eager to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new season amid growing uncertainty over Youri Tielemans, who is in advanced talks over a move to Manchester United, while Onana faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Belgium’s World Cup last-16 victory over the United States.
Manzambi has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after young midfielders after 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 World Cup and establishing himself as one of the tournament’s biggest revelations.
Champions League football is understood to be a major attraction for Manzambi, with Villa set to compete in Europe’s elite club competition next season after securing qualification under Emery.
The midfielder is already familiar with Villa, having faced the Premier League side in the UEFA Europa League final in May, where Emery’s men claimed a 3-0 victory in Istanbul.
Villa are also expected to balance their books 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 World Cup sensation now weighing up his next move.
