Newcastle look set to miss out on signing Freiburg’s highly rated Switzerland international midfielder Johan Manzambi after Aston Villa reportedly hijacked the deal.
Newcastle looked set to sign Manzambi
The Magpies were reported to have agreed a fee of around £49m with Manzambi’s German club, and the player is also believed to have verbally agreed terms with north north-east outfit.
The 20-year-old was viewed as a potential midfield replacement for Italian international Sandro Tonali, who joined Tottenham earlier in the transfer window.
Newcastle remained patient in the race to sign the Swiss youngster as he competed at the World Cup with his national team. He was expected to make a final decision after the World Cup.
Aston Villa is Manzambi’s preference
Despite Newcastle’s early interest, Aston Villa are reported to have also agreed a fee with Freiburg, but have yet to agree personal terms. However, that isn’t expected to be an issue.
The Villans look set to lose Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans to Manchester United, so the 20-year-old would be a good midfield option for Unai Emery’s team next season.
The chance of playing Champions League football in the Midlands is believed to be the deciding factor in the midfielder’s decision.
Manzambi has built on his reputation at the World Cup
Manzambi’s performances in the Bundesliga for Freiburg had already caught the eye of many clubs’ scouts prior to the World Cup.
He enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Freiburg in the 2025/26 season, scoring seven goals and producing six assists in all competitions for the club from the Black Forest.
The youngster has only built on his reputation at the World Cup with Switzerland, scoring two goals and producing two assists in four appearances, with only two of those starts. He had also scored twice in World Cup qualifying in six appearances, including one start and five cameos as a substitute.