​Aston Villa are closing in on a deal to sign Johan Manzambi, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein. The midfielder had appeared destined to move to Newcastle United, with the Magpies having already agreed a transfer fee of £51.2 million to secure his services. Yet, Manzambi was not convinced about a switch to Tyneside, and reports indicate he prefers a move to Villa to work under Unai Emery.
Manzambi began his professional career with Swiss club Servette before moving to Freiburg in 2023. He has since built a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising midfield talents, flourishing during a breakout 2025-26 season. In that period, he racked up 47 appearances across all competitions, contributing seven goals and nine assists as he established himself as a key performer for the team.
His form helped Freiburg reach the Europa League final, a campaign in which he played a central role. Manzambi started 13 matches and found the net on two occasions, underscoring his importance to the side in big games and knockout ties. His performances also earned him a place in Switzerland’s World Cup squad, where he appeared in four matches and added three goals and two assists to his tally.
Newcastle have endured a frustrating summer in the transfer market. They have seen Anthony Gordon depart, and Sandro Tonali’s future has been the subject of ongoing speculation. There have also been questions surrounding Bruno Guimarães’ long-term status at St James’ Park. The club’s bid to sign Manzambi was further disrupted when Liverpool moved to hijack their pursuit of Victor Muñoz last month, leaving Newcastle at risk of missing out on another rising star.
Manzambi’s potential arrival would add a versatile and creative dimension to Villa’s midfield, aligning with Emery’s preferred approach and tactical philosophy. His ability to contribute with goals and assists, combined with his experience at the European level, could provide the depth and quality needed for Villa as they seek to compete more strongly on multiple fronts.
The transfer landscape has been fluid, and the latest updates suggest Villa are prepared to push ahead with a deal for Manzambi, hoping to formalize terms and complete the move in the coming days. If completed, the signing would mark a significant step in Villa’s recruitment drive and signal their intent to challenge established top sides in the Premier League.