Johan Manzambi opts for Aston Villa in record €70m Freiburg transfer

Swiss 20‑year‑old midfielder Johan Manzambi, a breakout star of the 2026 World Cup, is set to leave SC Freiburg for Aston Villa. Sky, Fabrizio Romano and other outlets report that Villa will pay a total package of almost €70 million (including bonuses), making it the highest fee ever received by the German club.

The deal follows an earlier club‑to‑club agreement between Freiburg and Newcastle United for around €60 million, but Manzambi did not grant personal terms to the Magpies and chose Villa instead. Reports note that Villa’s offer of Champions League football and a clear project convinced the player. The transfer is described as a “record‑breaking” sale for Freiburg and a major coup for Villa, who aim to strengthen their midfield ahead of a Champions League campaign. Newcastle’s pursuit has been sidelined, adding to a summer of missed targets for the English club.