Johan Manzambi joins Aston Villa from Freiburg
Johan Manzambi has left Freiburg to join Aston Villa in the English Premier League.
Manzambi registered nine goals and as many assists in 58 appearances for the Black Forest side, whom he helped reach the UEFA Europa League final for the first time in their history in 2025/26, going down in Istanbul to his now new club Villa.
The 20-year-old was one of the standout youngsters of the FIFA World Cup 2026, as Switzerland progressed to the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.
"The journey we took together from the U19s to the Europa League final was special for both Johan and us. Following some really intensive discussions and negotiations over the past few weeks, both sides stand to benefit from the solution we have reached," said Freiburg sporting director Jochen Saier.
"Johan's performances in the SC shirt were exceptional; he helped shape our style of play. We would like to thank everyone who supported and stood by Johan during his three-and-a-half years in Freiburg, and we wish him all the very best for the future from the bottom of our hearts."
Manzambi spent time in the academy of Swiss side Servette before joining Freiburg's youth set-up in 2023.
He made his first-team debut for the club in August 2024 and went on to make 11 Bundesliga appearances that season, contributing two goals and an assists.
The following season proved to be a breakout campaign for the Switzerland international midfielder, who hit seven goals and eight assists as Freiburg finished seventh in the Bundesliga and progressed all the way to the Europa League final.
Defeat in that final may have seen Freiburg miss out on a maiden UEFA Champions League qualification, but Manzambi will now get a first taste of the competition with Unai Emery's side in 2026/27.
