While Newcastle were hopeful of landing one of their top targets, their interest was always laced with caution.
Those close to the Magpies were surprised at why the confidence was not absolute – but after losing out to Liverpool for Víctor Munoz, having also seen Hugo Ekitike go to Anfield last year, Newcastle were nervous.
Their fears proved well founded as Manzambi wavered and Villa pounced.
He was being coveted by more than half of the Premier League and represents the start of a Villa refresh.
Manzambi had been on Villa’s watchlist since the start of last season, and there was always an expectation he would move this summer.
It is believed that Manzambi’s knee injury, which ruled him out of Switzerland’s last-16 win over Colombia and quarter-final defeat by Argentina at the World Cup, gave him time to decide his future amid Newcastle‘s interest.
There is also an acceptance it was now or never for Villa as he could have been out of their price range if he moved elsewhere and succeeded, especially given the sharp rise at international level – playing just twice for Switzerland Under-21s before his senior elevation.
Having excelled in the Bundesliga and helped Freiburg to the Europa League final where they lost to Villa, the calculated risk to make him the club’s record signing is seen as one which is worth it.
His versatility – especially with Onana’s serious knee injury – makes him even more important.
Last term Manzambi – who won Europa League young player of the season – ranked first for 10-plus metre progressive carries (116) in the Bundesliga, shot-ending carries (13) and fouls won (78) as opponents tried to stop him.
He was the most fouled player in the Bundesliga and only Yan Diomande, Bazoumana Toure and Can Uzun were younger with more goals and assists in the division.
He was second for total take-ons (71), opposition half take-ons (52) and total carry progress (2,476 metres).
Last term Tielemans averaged 10 metres for his progressive carries with a total of 109, with Onana making just 75, while just three of Tielemans’ carries ended with a shot.
