Aston Villa seal record £60m deal for Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi

Aston Villa announced the signing of 20‑year‑old Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi from SC Freiburg for a reported fee of around €60‑70 million, making it the club’s most expensive purchase. The transfer outbid Newcastle United and follows Villa’s need to replace departing midfielder Youri Tielemans ahead of a Champions League campaign. Manzambi was a breakout star at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring three goals and providing two assists as Switzerland reached the quarter‑finals, and he was named the UEFA Europa League Young Player of the Season after helping Freiburg to the final. Sources cite a base fee of £59.5 million (approximately €58.8 million) with possible bonuses that could raise the total to €70 million. The midfielder will wear the number 44 shirt for Villa and signed a long‑term contract.

The signing underlines Villa’s intent to strengthen its midfield with a proven talent who has already performed at the highest international level, while also marking a record‑breaking investment for the English club.