Newcastle’s hijack fears realised as Premier League rival close in on Johan Manzambi transfer

Aston Villa are finalising a move for midfielder Johan Manzambi, pinching the player from Newcastle’s grasp, talkSPORT understands.

The Magpies had agreed a €60million (£51.2million) fee with Freiburg for the Swiss midfielder.

The Magpies were seemingly in the driver’s seat to sign the highly-rated Switzerland international, however, it’s understood the player wasn’t sold on the idea of joining them.

This represents yet another setback in the transfer window for Newcastle, who have lost key midfielder Sandro Tonali to Tottenham.

Meanwhile, captain Bruno Guimaraes is itching for a move to champions Arsenal.

And that has allowed Villa to come swooping in for the 20-year-old, with a deal accelerating towards completion.

Villa entered the market for another central midfielder after Amadou Onana suffered an ACL injury on international duty.

The former Everton man will miss the remainder of the 2026 World Cup and a substantial chunk of the 2026/27 season after being forced off midway through the first half of Belgium’s 4-1 win over USA.

Who is Johan Manzambi?

Manzambi made his senior Freiburg debut in the 2024/25 season, making four league starts.

However, it was the 2025/26 campaign where the midfielder enjoyed a breakout year.

Indeed, Manzambi started 26 Bundesliga matches last season, scoring five times and providing four assists for the German side.

The Geneva-born midfielder was also instrumental in Freiburg’s progression to the Europa League final, scoring twice and providing two assists as the Bundesliga outfit ultimately crashed to a 3-0 loss to Villa.

It’s at the 2026 World Cup where Manzambi has exploded onto the scene.

He played an instrumental role in Switzerland’s progression to the quarter-finals, scoring two times and providing two assists.

Manzambi, though, sat out the penalty shootout last-16 win over Colombia with a knee injury.

He also wasn’t involved in Switzerland’s quarter-final defeat to Argentina on Sunday morning.

Manzambi’s Premier League debut could come on Villa’s opening match of the season which sees them travel to Brighton on August 23.

Villa are currently scheduled to first face Newcastle at St James’ Park on October 17.