Johan Manzambi can become ‘world-class’ at Aston Villa as Newcastle deal hijacked

Johan Manzambi is set to become an Aston Villa player this summer.

In the last 18 months, the Swiss talent has emerged as one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe.

Breaking into Freiburg's first team in 2025, the 20-year-old has continued to shift through the gears in the Bundesliga.

This summer, he scored three times and provided two assists as Switzerland reached the World Cup quarter-finals.

A switch to Newcastle did appear to be on the cards, before fresh reports indicate that Villa are in line for a move.

Considering this, the Villans have been told exactly what to expect as a transfer nears.

Unique comparison shows exactly what Villa are getting with Johan Manzambi

Having joined from the Servette academy, Manzambi rose through the ranks he Europa-Park Stadion before beginning to make a name for himself at the end of the 2024-25 season.

Since then, he has played in multiple midfield roles, and even out wide at times.

Now, David Ornstein reports that Champions League football is on the cards for Manzambi, with Aston Villa lining up a deal.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, German football writer, Peter Weis of Get German Football News Now, highlighted similarities with two of Europe's most recognisable midfielders.

“He’s a dynamic and energetic box-to-box midfielder, with shades of Toni Kroos’ metronomic style and Jude Bellingham’s goalscoring prowess,” Weis said.

“His versatility is one of his biggest strengths. He can drop deep, operate as a six or eight, press higher up the pitch and contribute as a number ten.

“He covers plenty of ground, triggers the press intelligently and is prepared to compete defensively in his own third.

“With the ball, he possesses excellent technique and game intelligence. He is courageous in direct duels, can carry the ball forward and has the ability to score from range.”

Across the 2025-26 season, he would score five goals and lay on four assists - hardly breathtaking numbers - but his versatility has seen him become a progressive option in deeper areas.

What do Villa have to do with Manzambi?

While Manzambi's ability to cover several positions is remarkable, Weis believes the youngster is at his most effective closer to goal.

"I personally prefer to see him operating as a number ten, where he can make the most of those attacking qualities," he added.

"However, he can also be effective as a six, and his shooting ability means he remains a threat when arriving from deeper areas.

“His development stalled slightly during the last Bundesliga campaign because he was repeatedly deployed as a six, while the disciplinary issue and subsequent lengthy suspension also disrupted his momentum.

“That does not alter his enormous potential, though. We could be witnessing the beautiful burgeoning of a future world-class star.”

For Villa, the move does mark a change in direction, with a big sum of money on the table for a player years away from his prime.

But based on the early days of his career and the reviews, Unai Emery is adding an absolute star to his ranks.