Johan Manzambi: Aston Villa sign Newcastle target from Freiburg in club-record £59.5m deal

Aston Villa have beaten Newcastle to the signing of Johan Manzambi after completing a club-record £59.5m deal for the midfielder from Freiburg.

Newcastle had agreed a deal worth £49m for the Switzerland international, who was a breakout star at the World Cup as he scored three goals in their run to the quarter-finals.

However, Villa made a late bid for the 20-year-old to beat Eddie Howe's side to the signing.

This is a club-record transfer, surpassing the £50m Villa paid Everton for Amadou Onana in the summer of 2024.

Manzambi becomes Villa's first signing of the summer, with the Europa League holders also closing in on a £38m deal for Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes.