Aston Villa move to hijack Newcastle deal for Swiss World Cup star Manzambi

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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 24: Johan Manzambi #9 of Switzerland celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Switzerland and Canada at BC Place Vancouver on June 24, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Alex Grimm/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by ALEX GRIMM / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

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By Adegboyega Adeleye

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Aston Villa have entered the race to sign Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi, with Unai Emery’s side working to hijack Newcastle United’s proposed £50 million move for one of the breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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According to the BBC, Newcastle had appeared to be leading the race for the 20-year-old Freiburg midfielder, but Villa have now intensified efforts to lure the highly-rated Swiss international to Villa Park.

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The deal, if completed, would surpass the £50 million Villa paid Everton for Amadou Onana in 2024, making Manzambi the club’s record signing.

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Villa are eager to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new season amid growing uncertainty over Youri Tielemans, who is in advanced talks over a move to Manchester United, while Onana faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Belgium’s World Cup last-16 victory over the United States.

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Manzambi has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after young midfielders after an outstanding World Cup campaign with Switzerland.

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The Freiburg star scored three goals and provided two assists, becoming the youngest player since 1966 to register five goal involvements at a single World Cup and establishing himself as one of the tournament’s biggest revelations.

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Champions League football is understood to be a major attraction for Manzambi, with Villa set to compete in Europe’s elite club competition next season after securing qualification under Emery.

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The midfielder is already familiar with Villa, having faced the Premier League side in the UEFA Europa League final in May, where Emery’s men claimed a 3-0 victory in Istanbul.

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Villa are also expected to balance their books as they comply with UEFA’s financial regulations.

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Left-back Lucas Digne is close to completing a return to Paris Saint-Germain, while forward Lewis Dobbin is set to join Southampton in a deal worth around £9 million after failing to make a senior appearance following his move from Everton.

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Despite Newcastle’s long-standing interest, Villa’s late intervention has turned the race for Manzambi into one of the summer’s biggest transfer battles, with the World Cup sensation now weighing up his next move.

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