Aston Villa complete €70m deal for SC Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi | OneFootball

Aston Villa complete €70m deal for SC Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi | OneFootball

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·18 July 2026

Aston Villa complete €70m deal for SC Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi

Article image:Aston Villa complete €70m deal for SC Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi

Aston Villa have announced the signing of Johan Manzambi from SC Freiburg on Friday 17 July. The club said in a statement that the 20-year-old joins on a permanent transfer.

Manzambi, who represented Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is regarded as one of Europe’s brightest prospects.


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He was central to Freiburg’s run to last season’s UEFA Europa League final, where they were beaten by Villa, and the creative midfielder was named the competition’s Young Player of the Season.

Freiburg sporting director Jochen Saier said the shared journey from the U-19s to the Europa League final was special for both parties, adding that intensive talks with Aston Villa in recent weeks had produced a solution that benefits everyone.

For Freiburg, the €70m fee is a club record, previously held by Kevin Schade and Merlin Röhl at €25m each.

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