​Former Aston Villa forward Garry Thompson believes Johan Manzambi could be a “great signing” for Villa as they near deals for the Swiss international and Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes. Manzambi stood out at the World Cup for Switzerland, scoring three goals and providing two assists as they reached the quarter-finals, and now appears set to move to Villa Park this summer.
Gomes also seems close to making the switch to Unai Emery’s side, with a £38 million deal close to completion. Speaking to BBC Radio West Midlands about Manzambi, Thompson said: “I think he’s a talented kid. We saw him show a little bit at Freiburg, then he gets into the Switzerland squad; there was talk about him, and he was the spark they had.” He added that Manzambi looked very, very good, and suggested that Unai Emery could do a lot with him, transforming him into another Morgan Rogers-type player who could start many games. “I think that could potentially be a great signing,” Thompson stated.
On the Gomes deal, Thompson noted: “I heard early last season that Manchester United were looking at him, and they’re a big club. I’ve watched him play many times but hadn’t really noticed him until now. However, I’ve spoken to Wolves experts who say he’s good in tight areas, he’s a solid passer, and he’s aggressive as well.”