Johan Manzambi: Newcastle set to lose Switzerland World Cup hero to Aston Villa
Aston Villa is reportedly set to beat Newcastle United to the signing of Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi. The 20-year-old Swiss international is expected to choose Villa due to the offer of Champions League football.
Why it matters
High-stakes transfer battles between Premier League clubs reflect the intense financial and competitive pressures within top-tier European football.
Newcastle believe they are set to miss out on the signing of Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi to Aston Villa. <p>The Switzerland international's preference is understood to be Villa, who have offered to match the £49m deal Newcastle verbally agreed with Freiburg.</p><p>The offer of Champions League football is said to have been a key motivator behind Manzambi's decision to opt for Villa.</p><widget id="2"></widget><ul><li><a href="https://qrcode.skysports.com/TransfersSkySportsApp" target="_blank"><strong>Transfer Centre LIVE!</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/11678/13025496/newcastle-transfer-news-rumours-and-gossip-live-updates-and-latest-on-deals-signings-loans-and-contracts" target="_blank"><strong>Newcastle news & transfers</strong></a><strong>⚫⚪</strong></li><li><a href="https://www.skysports.com/newcastle-united-scores-fixtures" target="_blank"><strong>Newcastle's 2026/27 fixtures released</strong></a></li><li><strong>Not got Sky?
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