Johan Manzambi has expressed his satisfaction with joining Aston Villa after Newcastle United reportedly came close to signing the Switzerland international earlier in the summer.
The 20-year-old completed a €70million (£61m) move from Freiburg to Villa on July 17 after producing seven goals and nine assists last season.
Newcastle had pushed strongly for Manzambi while Eddie Howe was still in charge and reportedly reached a €60m agreement with Freiburg. Crucially, however, they had not agreed personal terms with the player, leaving Villa with an opportunity to move in.
Manzambi happy with Aston Villa decision
Speaking to Swiss outlet 20 Minuten, Manzambi was asked about the other clubs interested before his transfer to Villa Park.
“The plan worked out, I was happy with it,” he said. “There are always a lot of rumours when you transfer, but you have to be careful what you believe.”
His comments do not confirm precisely how far his discussions with Newcastle progressed, but Villa ultimately secured the agreement that mattered.
Manzambi's arrival came despite an injury suffered during the World Cup which forced him to miss Switzerland's important matches against Colombia and Argentina.
He subsequently spent 67 days on the sidelines before finally making his Villa debut earlier this month against Nottingham Forest.
Tottenham goal delivers Manzambi breakthrough
After two substitute appearances, Manzambi was handed his first Aston Villa start against Tottenham last weekend.
He responded by scoring the opening goal in Villa's 3-2 victory, helping Unai Emery's side secure their first Premier League win of the season.
“That goal was a dream come true,” Manzambi said.
His celebration prompted suggestions that it had been inspired by Dragon Ball, but the midfielder revealed there is another explanation.
“For now, that will remain a secret between me and my friends. Maybe I’ll reveal it in a few years.”
After an injury-delayed beginning to life in England, Manzambi's first start and first goal have provided an encouraging glimpse of why Villa were prepared to invest heavily in him.
Key points
- Aston Villa signed Johan Manzambi from Freiburg for €70m (£61m).
- Newcastle reportedly previously reached a €60m agreement with Freiburg but not with the player.
- Manzambi says he is happy with how his move to Villa worked out.
- A World Cup knee injury delayed the 20-year-old's Aston Villa debut.
- He scored on his first Villa start in the 3-2 victory over Tottenham.
What’s next?
Manzambi now joins Switzerland for Nations League fixtures against North Macedonia, Scotland and Slovenia during the international break.
When he returns to Villa, the challenge will be building on his Tottenham breakthrough and turning his first start into a regular place in Emery's team.
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