Aston Villa has secured the signing of Johan Manzambi from Freiburg in a club-record deal worth £59.5m, outmaneuvering Newcastle United, who had previously agreed to a £49m deal for the talented midfielder.

The 20-year-old Swiss international emerged as a standout player during the World Cup, netting three goals and helping Switzerland reach the quarter-finals. Despite having verbally agreed to terms with Newcastle, Manzambi chose Villa, attracted by the prospect of Champions League football.

Key details of the transfer include:

• Total package for Manzambi is £59.5m (€70m) with add-ons.
• Surpasses the previous record of £50m paid for Amadou Onana in the summer of 2024.

Manzambi had an impressive season at Freiburg, contributing seven goals and nine assists in 47 appearances across all competitions. He was also named Europa League Young Player of the Season, showcasing his potential and skill, especially in the final where Aston Villa defeated Freiburg 3-0.

His performance in the World Cup, where he scored twice against Bosnia-Herzegovina and assisted in a match against Canada, further solidified his reputation as a rising star. However, a minor injury sidelined him during the quarter-final loss to Argentina, leaving fans to wonder about his potential impact.

Bruno Berner, a figure in Swiss football, expressed the team's regret, stating, "We missed him massively. He would have given us something different."

With this signing, Aston Villa aims to enhance their midfield and make a significant impact in the upcoming season.