Aston Villa are about to pull off one of the summer's most stunning coups – the £49m hijacking of Freiburg's Johan Manzambi from Newcastle United's clutches. The 20-year-old Switzerland international, who lit up the World Cup with his silky skills, was believed to be on the brink of joining Eddie Howe's Magpies. But in a dramatic twist, Villa have swooped in and are now poised to wrap up the deal.
Manzambi's impressive displays at the World Cup only strengthened his reputation as one of Europe's hottest young talents. And it seems Villa's victory over Freiburg in the Europa League final in May may have given the midfielder a favourable impression of the Premier League club – one that has ultimately swayed him towards a move to Villa Park.
Newcastle, though, will be left nursing a bitter blow after having what seemed like a done deal slip through their fingers. Howe's side had been optimistic about landing Manzambi just last week, with executives travelling to Germany in the hopes of finalising terms. But it appears personal reasons have played a part in Manzambi's change of heart – and Villa are now ready to pounce.
For Newcastle, this latest transfer U-turn is the latest instalment in what's proving to be a tricky summer window. With key players Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali already departed for Barcelona and Tottenham respectively, and Liverpool snapping up Víctor Muñoz from Osasuna, Howe's squad rebuild is far from complete. And if captain Bruno Guimarães does indeed leave – with Arsenal reportedly his preferred destination – it would be a significant blow to the Magpies' ambitions.
As Newcastle adjust their transfer strategy in response, Villa will be eager to make the most of this unexpected opportunity. With £80m already invested in three young talents this summer, Howe's side is focused on signing players aged 24 or younger for less than £40m. But will they now turn their attention to Tottenham's 20-year-old midfielder Archie Gray – a player they've long admired – as a replacement for Manzambi?