Villa eye World Cup star Manzambi while Gomes deal looms

Former Aston Villa forward Garry Thompson says Johan Manzambi could be a ‘great signing’ for Villa as the club nears deals for the Swiss World Cup star and Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, whose £38 million move to Unai Emery’s side appears imminent.

Manzambi lit up the World Cup with his nation, scoring three goals and providing two assists as Switzerland reached the quarter‑finals. His contributions made him one of the tournament’s standout Swiss players. The comments were captured in a [Getty Images] photo released alongside the interview.

Speaking to BBC Radio West Midlands, Thompson praised the youngster: “I think he’s a talented kid. We saw him show a little bit at Freiburg and then he gets in the Switzerland squad, there’s talk about him and he was the little spark they had.” He added that the forward could become “another Morgan Rogers type that starts a lot of games” and therefore “potentially be a great signing.”

The Swiss forward looks set to make the move to Villa Park this summer, a transfer that would add a World Cup‑proven attacker to the squad. Thompson believes the club’s pursuit of Manzambi aligns with their ambition to strengthen the attack.

João Gomes also looks close to completing a £38 million switch to join Unai Emery’s side, a deal that would bring the Wolves midfielder to Villa. The high fee underscores the club’s willingness to invest heavily in midfield talent.

On the Gomes deal, Thompson said: “I heard early last season that Manchester United were looking at him and they’re a big club. I’ve seen him play a lot of times but not really noticed him.” He noted that Wolves experts describe Gomes as “good in tight areas, receiving the ball, a decent passer and aggressive as well.”

The contrast between Manzambi’s World Cup brilliance and Gomes’ £38 million price tag highlights Villa’s dual strategy: securing emerging talent while also splashing cash for proven quality. Both moves could shape the club’s fortunes at Villa Park this season.