update: Johan Manzambi has decided to join Aston Villa, prominent journalists such as Fabrizio Romano and Ben Jacobs have confirmed.
Jacobs said the Swiss star had committed to Aston Villa as of Sunday night and was close to agreeing a contract with Freiburg.
Aston Villa have stepped up their pursuit following Amadou Onana’s anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Aston Villa are reportedly close to making a belated bid for Newcastle United’s highly-rated midfielder Johan Manzambi.
The Midlands club have emerged as favorites to sign the Swiss youngster, threatening to derail what looked like a simple deal for Newcastle.
The summer transfer window is a crucial period and Unai Emery’s side are monitoring the situation closely and could make a move if the opportunity arises.
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Fabrizio Romano provides update on Johan Manzambi’s future
Fabrizio Romano provided important updates × About the unfolding drama.
“Please understand that Aston Villa are one of the clubs keeping an eye on Johan Manzambi’s situation with Newcastle,” Romano reported.
He admitted that while Newcastle are firmly in place, the arrival of Villa has complicated the situation and that the final destination is entirely up to the player.
Newcastle have agreed a contract with Freiburg, but the final decision will rest with the player who has not yet agreed personal terms with the club.
Newcastle have agreed a contract with SC Freiburg, but personal terms remain unresolved
An update from Romano earlier today claimed that Newcastle had already completed the heavy lifting at inter-club level.
The Magpies reached a transfer agreement with Bundesliga side SC Freiburg a few days ago.
Newcastle’s reinforcements scheduled a meeting with Manzambi’s camp and tried to reach a deal on personal terms.
However, the deal still needs the green light from the player and his inner circle.
With Manzambi delaying his signing, Aston Villa found the perfect window to intervene.
Villa’s project, coupled with the lure of joining the team that recently defeated Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League final, could weigh heavily on his mind.
Johan Manzambi enjoyed a great World Cup campaign
The 20-year-old Swiss prodigy enjoyed an outstanding World Cup season, scoring three goals and providing two assists in just four games.
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Highlights of his tournament include his historic brace off the bench against Bosnia and Herzegovina and his man-of-the-match performance against Canada.
As the youngest player ever to contribute five goals in a single World Cup, Manzambi has become Europe’s most sought-after young midfielder.
