Aston Villa beat Newcastle United to Johan Manzambi signing

Aston Villa are set to sign Johan Manzambi after dramatically overtaking Newcastle United in the battle for the SC Freiburg midfielder.

Newcastle had already reached an agreement with Freiburg, but the 20-year-old never gave the Magpies his final approval and instead chose Villa’s project.

Reports from Sky and Kicker say the two clubs have now reached full agreement, with the total package for Manzambi coming in at just under 70 million euros including potential bonuses.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, however, describes the fixed fee as slightly above 60 million euros, with further add-ons still possible. The player has also reached a verbal agreement on a long-term contract, and his medical is expected to take place soon.

Aston Villa intensified their efforts after Amadou Onana suffered a serious knee ligament injury, which opened a clear role for another high-level midfielder. Beyond the financial offer, Manzambi was reportedly swayed by the chance to work under Unai Emery and play Champions League football next season with Villa. Once completed, the transfer will be by far the most expensive sale in Freiburg’s history.