Aston Villa are completing the signing of midfielder Johan Manzambi from Freiburg.
Manzambi had hoped to join Newcastle United after an agreement was reached between the clubs, but the 20-year-old is yet to decide on his preferred destination.
This allowed Villa to add to their existing interest, which had intensified following the loss of Amadou Onana to a knee ligament injury.
They have since stepped up efforts to secure a deal with their Bundesliga counterparts and the player, who is in favor of a move to Villa Park.
Manzambi was superb against Villa in the Europa League final in May and impressed in Switzerland en route to the World Cup quarter-finals. He can operate in multiple positions and his arrival will strengthen Villa ahead of their return to the Champions League next season.
Finances have never been an issue for Newcastle, but other suitors have always been at odds, making St James’ Park wary about their chances of landing him.
Newcastle chiefs traveled to Germany last week in an attempt to secure a deal, but with the delay also accelerating on other targets in the background, they were never entirely convinced he wanted to join.
Manzambi trained at the academy of Swiss club Servette before joining Freiburg’s youth team. He made 58 appearances for the first team, scoring eight goals and making 11 assists.
He made 47 appearances in the 2025/26 season, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists as Freiburg finished seventh in the Bundesliga and played a prominent role in their run to the Europa League final.
At this summer’s World Cup, Manzambi scored twice after coming off the bench for the final 19 minutes of Switzerland’s 4-1 group stage win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. He scored again in a 2-1 win over hosts Canada in their final group game.
Huge blow for Newcastle.
Analysis by Newcastle United correspondent Chris Waugh
There is understandable concern among Newcastle fans when it comes to Munzambi, given how Liverpool were pursuing Victor Munoz last month (and several clubs were interested in several players last summer).
Newcastle are cautious, albeit optimistic, about a possible deal for the Swiss player. But they were always aware of Manzambi’s alternative options and were cognizant of the possibility that a rival might try to push them into a deal.
Newcastle made every effort, with management holding personal discussions with Freiburg and also attempting to convince the player, his camp and his family of why St James’ Park was the best place to further his development.
But Newcastle cannot offer Champions League football or European football at any level and this has again left them vulnerable in these negotiations. It was not the club’s fault that the deal was not concluded sooner, as the player wanted to wait until Switzerland crashed out of the World Cup before deciding his future, which only happened on Saturday.
If Manzambi does choose Villa over Newcastle, it would be a huge blow to Eddie Howe’s transfer plans and it is unclear where the club will go next, even as they consider alternatives should such a scenario develop.