Revelation of this 2026 World Cup with Switzerland, Johan Manzambi witnessed from the bench the elimination of the Nati against Argentina (3-1, ap) last night. A cruel end for the adventure of the Swiss and the Friborg player, injured in the knee, who nevertheless took advantage of this World Cup to be seen by the general public, totaling 3 goals and 4 assists in four contested matches. His performances have also caught the eye of several European clubs, ready to pay a fortune to convince Friborg to let him go.
Among the many courtiers of the young 20-year-old midfielder, including PSG and Bayern, it was ultimately Newcastle who were the most concrete. The Magpies quickly showed their interest in the Geneva native, sending a check for €60 million to the German leaders. A colossal sum which would make Manzambi the most expensive sale in the history of Friborg and the ideal player to take over the Newcastle midfield, which lost Sandro Tonali – who left for Tottenham – and while Bruno GuimarĂŁes is strongly courted by Arsenal. But while the transfer seemed to be completed, Manzambi finally vetoed it.
Manzambi wants to join Aston VIlla
According to information from The Athletic outings this Sunday evening, the former Servette FC resident categorically rejected Newcastle’s advances, favoring a departure to Aston Villa. The Birmingham club had made the Swiss international (16 caps) its priority to strengthen Unai Emery’s training, particularly after the serious knee injury of Amadou Onana with Belgium.
Still according to the British media, Newcastle has already accelerated on other targets during the last week given the delay accumulated on this file. The Magpies were never fully convinced the Swiss wanted to join them. An idea which seems to have been confirmed, since Johan Manzambi is now very close to joining the Villans for 70 million euros, according to Sky Germany.
