Aston Villa sign Johan Manzambi in club-record £50m deal

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi from Bundesliga side Freiburg in a club-record deal worth just over £50 million.

The transfer surpasses the previous record fee Villa paid for Amadou Onana when he arrived from Everton two years ago, highlighting the club's determination to strengthen its midfield ahead of the new season.

Villa are also closing in on the signing of Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes for around £38m. 

The Brazilian left Wolves' Championship training camp in Portugal on Thursday to undergo a medical before completing the move to Villa Park.

Manzambi had appeared destined to join Newcastle United after the Magpies reached an agreement with Freiburg last week.

However, Villa acted swiftly to hijack the deal, with the 20-year-old opting for Unai Emery's side as his preferred destination.

The Switzerland international enhanced his reputation during the World Cup, scoring three goals to help his country reach the quarter-finals before they were eliminated by eventual finalists Argentina.

Manzambi also faced Villa in the Europa League final in Istanbul in May, where Emery's side secured a convincing 3-0 victory to end the club's 30-year wait for major silverware.

The talented midfielder enjoyed an impressive campaign with Freiburg, registering seven goals in 47 appearances across all competitions.

His performances earned him the Europa League Young Player of the Season award as Freiburg finished seventh in the Bundesliga.

Villa's pursuit of midfield reinforcements follows the departure of Youri Tielemans, who joined Manchester United after his £35m release clause was activated.

The club are also without Onana, who is expected to miss much of the season after suffering a serious knee injury at the World Cup.