Newcastle United have reportedly lost out on signing Freiburg sensation and FIFA World Cup breakout star Johan Manzambi, who is set to join Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports Villa are in the process of finalising a move to sign Manzambi from Bundesliga outfit Freiburg, where the Swiss midfielder was integral to the German club’s run to last season’s UEFA Europa League final against Villa.
Newcastle, per the Athletic, had an agreement with Freiburg for around $96million AUD but the Magpies did not have an agreement with Manzambi.
Now, the 20-year-old – who missed Switzerland’s final two World Cup matches through injury – wants to join Unai Emery’s Europa League champions Villa.
🚨 EXCL: Aston Villa in process of finalising move to sign Johan Manzambi from Freiburg. Newcastle United had agreement with #SCF but #NUFC lacked player approval. 20yo Swiss midfielder wants #AVFC & deal now accelerating towards conclusion @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/UTfbtXcSaH
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 12, 2026
It comes after Newcastle also saw a transfer for Spanish winger Victor Munoz hijacked by Premier League giants Liverpool recently.
According to reports, Newcastle had spent weeks negotiating a deal for the Osasuna star and were reportedly finalising personal terms and medicals before Liverpool swooped by triggering his $66m release clause.
Newcastle have already lost star duo Anthony Gordon (Barcelona) and Sandro Tonali (Tottenham) in $133.6m and $192m deals respectively, while Bruno Guimaraes has been tipped to leave St James’ Park amid interest from champions Arsenal.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League in 2025-26 – four points outside of the European places.