Aston Villa are attempting to hijack Newcastle United’s pursuit of SC Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi through a potential club-record transfer deal.

The move represents a significant strategic shift in the Premier League transfer market. By targeting a player with World Cup experience, Villa is signaling a willingness to spend aggressively to secure high-profile talent before their rivals can finalize agreements.

Reports indicate that Newcastle United had previously appeared to be the frontrunners in the race to sign the midfielder. Some sources said that Newcastle had recently agreed upon a fee with the German club [1]. However, Aston Villa have since entered the negotiations with a more aggressive financial package to sway the player and his representatives.

To secure the transfer, Aston Villa are pushing for a deal valued at £60 million [1]. This figure would set a new club record for the Birmingham-based team. The pursuit centers on Manzambi's breakout performance on the world stage, which has made him a primary target for multiple English clubs.

SC Freiburg currently holds the player's registration. The competition between the two English sides has turned the transfer into a bidding war, a common occurrence for players who gain international visibility during major tournaments.

While Newcastle United believed the deal was nearing completion, the intervention from Villa has created uncertainty. The final outcome depends on whether Freiburg prioritizes the higher fee offered by Villa or honors the existing agreement with Newcastle.

“Aston Villa are pushing for a deal valued at £60 million.”

This transfer battle highlights the increasing financial volatility of the Premier League, where established agreements can be overturned by 'hijack' bids. For Aston Villa, a record expenditure on Manzambi would demonstrate an ambition to break into the league's elite by prioritizing World Cup-proven talent over traditional scouting routes.