BIRMINGHAM, England — World Cup sensation Johan Manzambi has officially signed with Champions League contenders Aston Villa in a record-breaking transfer for a Swiss player.
Although he received an offer from Newcastle, a viral video following Switzerland’s quarterfinal defeat last Saturday in Kansas City revealed the 20-year-old midfielder affirming that he would be joining Villa when asked by Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
The specific terms of the contract and transfer fee from Freiburg have not been disclosed. Manzambi faced Villa in the Europa League final in May, where Villa triumphed 3-0, clinching their first trophy in 30 years. He also earned the accolade of Europa League young player of the season.
Reports suggest that the transfer fee exceeds £50 million ($67 million), marking a record for both Villa and for Swiss players.
The previous record for the most expensive Swiss player was held by Manzambi’s World Cup captain, Granit Xhaka, who moved to Arsenal for approximately €45 million ($51 million) in 2016 from Borussia Mönchengladbach.
During the World Cup, Manzambi scored three goals and provided two assists in four matches, although he sustained a knee injury during training before the round of 16 game against Colombia.
Initially starting as a substitute during the tournament, Manzambi cemented his place in the starting lineup after netting two goals upon his introduction in the second half of a 4-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Switzerland’s coach, Murat Yakin, utilized him in a more advanced playmaking role compared to his usual defensive duties at Freiburg.
Manzambi’s professional journey began at Servette in his hometown of Geneva, where he did not compete in the Swiss league before transferring to Freiburg at the age of 17. According to Swiss newspaper Tribune de Geneve, Servette did not include a sell-on clause that could have provided them with a greater share of his future transfer fee.
Aston Villa recently saw attacking midfielder Youri Tielemans depart for Manchester United on July 14. Furthermore, sources indicate that France defender Lucas Digne is expected to join Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.