He is one of those players who benefited greatly from the World Cup spotlight. Already a revelation in the Bundesliga last season (7 goals and 9 assists in 47 appearances in all competitions with Fribourg), Johan Manzambi confirmed during the high mass of football. First substitute then starter with Switzerland, the attacking midfielder (3 goals and 2 assists in 4 matches) largely contributed to the progress of the Nati, eliminated in the quarter-final by Argentina (3-1 ap).
His national team also has a lot of regrets. What would have happened if his nugget had been available during the final phase of this World Cup? A question that will forever remain unanswered. On the other hand, one thing is now certain, the 20-year-old player is leaving Friborg to join Aston Villa for €70 million. It also becomes the most important sale in the history of the German club, which he joined from Servette in the summer of 2023. The news has just been made official.
Aston Villa surprised Newcastle on the edge
“Aston Villa are delighted to announce the signing of Johan Manzambi. The 20-year-old Swiss international, who has just represented his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, joins the club from SC Friborg on a permanent transfer.» reveals the Villans press release. The Swiss comes to compensate for the departure of Youri Tielemans, who left for Manchester United, and the long absence of Amadou Onana, unavailable for several months after seriously injuring his knee with Belgium. As he moves into a new dimension, he will inevitably be closely monitored.
The recent winner of the Europa League won the bet by taking over Newcastle, who seemed to have a good head start in this matter. Manzambi would have finally refused the advances of the Magpies to head further south in England to Birmingham. The international (16 caps) was for a time followed by Bayern Munich and PSG. It is ultimately towards the Premier League that he will take the next stage of his career.
