Blow for Newcastle as Johan Manzambi set to join Aston Villa | OneFootball

Aston Villa are in the process of finalising a move to sign Johan Manzambi, per The Athletic’s David Ornstein. 

Manzambi looked set to join Newcastle United as they had agreed a £51.2 million fee to sign him. 

However, the midfielder wasn’t sold on the idea of joining Newcastle. 

It’s emerged he wants a move to Villa to play under manager Unai Emery. 

Manzambi began his career at Swiss club Servette before joining Freiburg in 2023. 

He significantly enhanced his reputation as one of the most promising midfielders after a breakout 2025-26 season. 

The Switzerland international made 47 appearances across all competitions last term, bagging seven goals and nine assists in the process. 

He also played an instrumental role in Freiburg’s run to the Europa League final, starting 13 games and scoring two goals. 

Manzambi was also part of Switzerland’s World Cup squad. He featured in four games at the tournament, recording three goals and two assists. 

It has been a frustrating summer transfer window for Newcastle. 

They have lost Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, while there are also question marks over Bruno Guimaraes’ future at St James’ Park. 

Liverpool hijacked the Magpies’ move for Victor Munoz last month, and now they are set to miss out on another top talent in Manzambi. 

Stats from Transfermarkt