Aston Villa sign Johan Manzambi in £52m club-record deal | OneFootball

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Johan Manzambi from Freiburg in a club-record £52m move. The 20-year-old Switzerland international midfielder featured against Villa in last season’s Europa League final.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the fee tops the £50m paid for Amadou Onana two years ago. Villa moved late to hijack Newcastle after they agreed £49m with Freiburg last week.

Manzambi said he was excited to join, eager to work with Unai Emery and the squad, and happy to play for a club in the Champions League. He added that facing Villa in last season’s final convinced him it was the perfect plan.

Joao Gomes is close to completing a £38m move from Wolves. The 25-year-old underwent a medical at Bodymoor Heath on Friday ahead of sealing the switch.

Villa have held talks with Bayern Munich about taking Joao Palhinha on loan to bolster midfield depth. It forms part of a wider reshuffle after Youri Tielemans left for Manchester United and Onana suffered a long-term injury.

A move for AC Milan left-back Pervis Estupinan is progressing and should move further forward next week. The 28-year-old is wanted as a replacement for Lucas Digne, who is close to joining Paris Saint-Germain.

Emery also wants a winger and is a long-term admirer of PSG teenager Ibrahim Mbaye. Flamengo defender Emerson Royal remains an option to provide cover and competition for Matty Cash at right-back.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com