Aston Villa has completed the signing of midfielder Johan Manzambi from Freiburg for a club record fee exceeding £50 million. The transfer surpasses the previous club record of £50 million paid to Everton for Amadou Onana two years ago.
Manzambi, a 20-year-old Swiss international, was reportedly close to joining Newcastle United after a deal was agreed with Freiburg. However, Aston Villa moved swiftly to secure his signature, and he identified Villa Park as his preferred destination.
During his time with Freiburg, Manzambi was a notable player. He scored three goals for Switzerland in their World Cup quarter-final run and was named Europa League Young Player of the Season. Last term, he contributed seven goals in 47 appearances across all competitions as Freiburg finished seventh in the German Bundesliga. He played against Aston Villa in the Europa League final in May, which Villa won 3-0.
The signing addresses Aston Villa's need for midfield reinforcements. The team recently sold Youri Tielemans to Manchester United for £35 million after the latter triggered his release clause. Additionally, Amadou Onana is expected to be sidelined until next year due to a serious knee injury sustained at the World Cup with Belgium.
Aston Villa is also reportedly close to completing the £38 million signing of Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, who left the club's training camp in Portugal to finalize a medical. The club's financial flexibility is noted as tight, with efforts being made to comply with UEFA financial regulations. Left-back Lucas Digne is also nearing a return to Paris Saint-Germain.