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