Aston Villa hijack Newcastle's move for Manzambi with €60m bid

The Premier League transfer market just got a serious twist. According to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa have entered the race for Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi, a player already close to joining Newcastle United. The Villans are scrambling for reinforcements after an injury to a key midfielder. They've opened direct talks with the German club and are prepared to match Newcastle's offer — a hefty €60 million. For the Magpies, this comes as an unwelcome surprise. They had already agreed terms with Freiburg, but have been waiting since Tuesday for the player's final decision. Last season, the 22-year-old Swiss international made 27 Bundesliga appearances, scoring five goals and providing four assists. At the 2026 World Cup, Manzambi shone for Switzerland: two goals and two assists in four matches. His tournament ended in the Round of 32 against Algeria, where he was unable to help his side progress. Now the ball is in the player's court. Will he choose Villa Park over St. James' Park?