Aston Villa have broken their own transfer record by signing midfielder Johan Manzambi from Freiburg for just over £50 million, surpassing the £50 million they spent on Amadou Onana two years ago.

The 20-year-old Switzerland international arrives at Villa Park after a dramatic transfer saga that saw Newcastle United agree a deal with Freiburg last week, only for Villa to move swiftly and secure Manzambi's signature — with the player favouring a move to Birmingham.

World Cup standout

Manzambi caught the eye of Europe's top clubs after an impressive World Cup campaign with Switzerland, scoring three goals as his country reached the quarter-finals before falling to Argentina.

His performances in Germany last season also turned heads: he finished with seven goals in 47 appearances across all competitions, earning the Europa League Young Player of the Season award.

He was on the opposing side when Freiburg faced Aston Villa in the Europa League final in Istanbul in May, a match Villa won 3-0 to end a 30-year wait for silverware under manager Unai Emery. Freiburg completed that Bundesliga season in seventh place.

Midfield overhaul at Villa Park

The signing addresses a growing need in Villa's midfield. Youri Tielemans departed for Manchester United this summer after the club triggered his release clause, in a deal worth £35 million. Onana, meanwhile, remains sidelined until next year following a serious knee injury sustained with Belgium at the World Cup.

Villa are also closing in on a second midfield addition, with the £38 million capture of Wolverhampton Wanderers' Joao Gomes edging closer. Gomes left Wolves' pre-season training camp in Portugal on Thursday to undergo a medical.

Off the pitch, Villa are managing their finances carefully to stay within Uefa's financial regulations. Left-back Lucas Digne is on the verge of a return to Paris St-Germain as the club looks to balance its books.