Aston Villa hijack Newcastle deal to sign Johan Manzambi for €60m+

Aston Villa have pulled off a stunning transfer hijack, securing a full agreement with Freiburg for Switzerland attacking midfielder Johan Manzambi. The 20-year-old, who lit up the 2026 World Cup with three goals and two assists en route to the quarterfinals, will now head to the Premier League after Newcastle’s long‑pursued deal was derailed. According to insider, the verbal agreement is set at a fee slightly north of €60 million. Personal terms have also been finalized on a long‑term contract. Manzambi produced 16 goal contributions in 47 matches for Freiburg last season and arrives at Villa Park with his stock at an all‑time high. The Midlands club moved quickly after insider confirmed the hijack, and the deal signals that Morgan Rogers could be on his way out before the summer window closes on September 1. For Newcastle, this is another bitter blow. After losing Sandro Tonali to Tottenham and Anthony Gordon elsewhere this summer, and with Bruno Guimaraes pushing for an Arsenal move, the Magpies must now turn to alternative midfield targets. It continues a frustrating pattern from 2025, when moves for Joao Pedro and James Trafford also collapsed.