Johan Manzambi set for Aston Villa medical in record-breaking transfer

Aston Villa are on the verge of signing Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi, with the 20-year-old Switzerland international scheduled for a medical on Thursday, July 16. According to The Athletic, the two clubs have agreed on a fee in excess of £50 million — a figure that will make Manzambi the most expensive signing in Aston Villa's history, surpassing the previous record set by Amadou Onana. It will also be Freiburg's biggest-ever sale. Villa accelerated their pursuit after Onana suffered a long-term knee ligament injury and Youri Tielemans left for Manchester United. Newcastle had been strongly linked with Manzambi, but the Birmingham side moved decisively. Last season, the Swiss midfielder made 27 Bundesliga appearances, scoring five goals and providing five assists. At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he impressed for Switzerland with three goals and two assists in four matches.