Unai Emery has explained why Johan Manzambi chose Aston Villa over Newcastle United. This comes after the 21-year-old scored the only goal in Villa’s 1-0 win at St James’ Park on Saturday evening.
A deal that slipped away
Newcastle had an agreement in place with both Manzambi and his club, Freiburg. Villa intervened to take the deal for themselves. It was a significant blow for the Magpies, and one that was rubbed in on Tyneside at the weekend.
Manzambi starred in Switzerland’s World Cup campaign but suffered a knee injury before their last-16 clash against Algeria. This ruled him out for the start of the Premier League season. The midfielder did not return to action until September. He has since made an instant impact at Villa, scoring or assisting in each of his four opening starts, including the crucial strike against Newcastle.
The Champions League is the key factor
Asked after the match about how Villa beat them to the player, Emery pointed to Europe. Villa are back in the Champions League this season, whilst Newcastle are not in Europe at all.
The Villa head coach said it was Manzambi’s own decision and that both the pitch-side consistency and financial offer have their part to play. ‘He decided for us,’ said Emery, also praising the youngster’s attitude. Calling him a good, very professional person who loves football with a passion. ‘He wants to play the way we do here,’ said Emery.
He accepts the requirements that come with it. He sees Villa as a place where he can progress. Where there are challenges for him as an individual as well as a collective. ‘
Echoes of the Ramsey deal
Emery also referred to Jacob Ramsey, who joined Newcastle from Villa in a £43million move last year. That transfer followed Newcastle qualifying for the Champions League at Villa’s expense on the final day of the 2024-25 season. Leaving Emery’s side to compete in the Europa League instead.
Villa went on to win that competition last season. Emery said he appreciated Ramsey’s time at the club and would have liked to keep him, but accepted that such things are part of football.
The comments highlight the change in circumstances between the two clubs.
Newcastle’s Champions League place in 2025 ensured they were able to poach a key player from Villa. Villa have since won a trophy, returned to the Champions League and beaten Newcastle to a player they coveted.
For Newcastle, their loss and the Manzambi saga are a bitter reminder of what can happen when a club misses out on European competition, on and off the pitch.
For Manzambi, who has begun so well at his new club, the early signs are that Villa got the better deal.
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