Manzambi's €65m Premier League switch: Villa beats Newcastle

Johan Manzambi completes a direct transfer from SC Freiburg to Aston Villa, a move confirmed by both clubs on Friday evening. The 20‑year‑old Swiss forward, hailed as the standout of the World Cup for Switzerland, is reported to cost the Premier League side €65 million. The fee sets a new benchmark for a Europa League winner, surpassing the previous record of €59 million paid for Amadou Onana in 2024. Onana's transfer had been the highest for a club that lifted the Europa League trophy. Manzambi initially appeared set to join Newcastle United, with Freiburg reportedly reaching an agreement with the Magpies. The deal with Newcastle was widely discussed before the club’s nickname, the Magpies, was mentioned alongside the transfer.

Aston Villa chase Swiss World Cup star Johan Manzambi for England move

Aston Villa, however, intervened last week and secured the signing, effectively outbidding Newcastle United and finalising the transfer on the same evening the clubs announced the agreement. The forward arrived at Freiburg in 2023 from the youth academy of Swiss side Servette. In the 2023‑24 Bundesliga season he made 27 appearances and scored six goals, and his contract with Freiburg runs until mid‑2030. Villa’s activity this week also included the departure of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United for just over €40 million. The club has further signalled interest in João Gomes, adding to a busy transfer window for the English side. The €65 million fee not only marks a record for a Europa League winner but also underscores the Premier League’s financial pull, with Aston Villa securing a World Cup‑proven talent ahead of the new season.