Aston Villa fans have now seen their club complete the signing of Johan Manzambi.
A new club record sees them paying £50m+ for the midfielder.
Newcastle United had already made an offer and had it verbally agreed with Freiburg, outline personal terms also agreed between United and Johan Manzambi himself (via his representatives) ahead of a potential move to St James’ Park.
With the Switzerland international having now signed, he has issued a message to the Aston Villa fans.
Johan Manzambi stating: “I have a big message. I am very excited to be here and we know that together we can do big things. I’m very excited to play in Villa Park. I am very, very happy and I am excited to play with this club.”
Johan Manzambi going on to explain: “Aston Villa is a very big club in England and they are playing in the Champions League. I’ve already played against Aston Villa, and for me, it was the perfect plan. I hope I can play the same as in the World Cup and with Freiburg. I’m sure that with the team, the coach and the staff that I can do the same.”
Freiburg lost to Aston Villa in the Europa League final.
Johan Manzambi now talking about Unai Emery: “I am very excited…I could see on the pitch [in the Europa League final] that he was a very good trainer. I am very excited to be here and to be training with Unai Emery and the team. I’m very excited to be here with my new team-mates. It is a great place here. I feel we can do big things, and we will see. With this staff and this team, I think we can do big things.”
Like Newcastle United, Aston Villa are going through a major team and squad overhaul this summer, that is heavily influenced and impacted by the very restrictive UEFA 70% SCR rules. Both clubs having had to sign Settlement Agreements with UEFA after breaching those SCR rules.
Interesting to see how things look by the end of May 2027 for the two clubs.