Aston Villa sign Switzerland international Johan Manzambi from Freiburg for club-record fee

The 20-year-old arrives at Villa Park after an outstanding breakthrough campaign for both club and country, with Villa reportedly paying an initial fee of just over 50 million pounds that could rise to almost 59.5 million pounds through add-ons. The transfer eclipses the 50 million Villa spent on Amadou Onana in 2024, making Manzambi the club's most expensive signing.

Newcastle had previously agreed a deal with Freiburg and Manzambi had verbally accepted personal terms, but Villa made a late move and ultimately convinced the midfielder to choose Unai Emery's side. The prospect of Champions League football is understood to have played a decisive role in his decision.

Manzambi enhanced his growing reputation at the World Cup, scoring three goals and providing two assists as Switzerland reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954 before losing 3-1 to eventual finalists Argentina. He finished as his country's leading scorer at the tournament despite missing the last-eight defeat through a minor injury.

His performances followed an impressive season with Freiburg, where he scored seven goals and supplied nine assists in 47 appearances across all competitions. He was named Europa League Young Player of the Season after helping the Bundesliga side reach their first major European final, where they were beaten 3-0 by Aston Villa in Istanbul.

Having joined Freiburg's academy in 2023, Manzambi broke into the first team a year later and went on to make 58 senior appearances, scoring nine goals.

"Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Johan Manzambi," confirmed Villa on their official website.

"The 20-year-old Swiss international, who has just represented his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, joins on a permanent transfer from SC Freiburg.

"One of Europe's brightest and talented prospects, Manzambi was instrumental in the German side's run to the UEFA Europa League final last term, netting in the semi-final to help tee up the meeting with Villa in Istanbul.

"The 16-cap creative midfielder was named the Europa League's Young Player of the Season last season and started his football journey in the academies at Servette and Freiburg."

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