The next 100-million transfer? Johan Manzambi becomes a fan favourite and saviour in record time

After leaving SC Freiburg and a spectacular World Cup, Johan Manzambi appears to be in line for the next step in his career, despite having played just six games for his current club. Could the Swiss player even become the next €100 million transfer?

Johan Manzambi broke two transfer records when he signed for Aston Villa in the summer. The Premier League club paid the club in the Breisgau region a €60 million transfer fee plus bonuses. Manzambi became the Villans' most expensive signing and Freiburg's most expensive departure.

At SC Freiburg, he had scored seven goals and provided nine assists in 47 competitive appearances. Shortly before the move, he scored three goals and set up two more at the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Initially coming off the bench, he played a major part in Switzerland's progress to the knockout stage. A bruised knee then kept the 21-year-old out of the round-of-16 match against Colombia (4-3 on penalties) and Switzerland's quarter-final exit against defending champions Argentina (1-3 after extra time).

But the bruised knee lingered longer than expected. Manzambi missed the start of the season, and Villa made a complete mess of it, taking just one point from their first three league games. He returned as a late substitute against Oliver Glasner's Nottingham Forest, only to watch his new side lose 2-1.

Seven days later, Manzambi made his first start and changed Villa's fortunes. The versatile, attack-minded midfielder scored the opener before setting up former Bayern Munich loanee Nicolas Jackson to make it 2-0 against a Tottenham Hotspur side who were also struggling. Villa won 3-2, with Manzambi the match-winner in their first Premier League victory.

Johan Manzambi: It could all have turned out very differently

The reigning Europa League winners have fared considerably better since then, while the 20-cap Switzerland international has added two goals and two assists. He delivered another outstanding display in the 6-0 Champions League thrashing of Fenerbahce Istanbul, then scored the only goal in a 1-0 league win over Newcastle United. Of all teams. It could all have turned out very differently.

In the summer, Newcastle almost signed the Villans' new saviour before Villa thwarted the Magpies at the final hurdle. In SC Freiburg's customary press release, board member Jochen Saier spoke pointedly of "really intensive talks and negotiations". There was one small disappointment for Manzambi: Villa had beaten him and Freiburg 2-0 in the Europa League final around two months earlier.

Manzambi has made six goal contributions in six competitive appearances and won the fans' hearts in record time. They have given him a song to the tune of The Cranberries' classic "Zombie". "He's in your head, in your head, Manzambi, Manzambi, Manzambi, bi, bi, bi" now rings around Villa Park and Birmingham, though Manzambi initially missed the tribute. "To be honest, I didn't hear anything on the pitch," he recently told Blick. An Instagram video brought it to his attention: "I was very happy when I heard it."

Everyone loves Johan Manzambi: Did he even prompt a resignation?

For the press, he is "quick, skilful, clever, elegant, impressive, perfectly balanced". The BBC hailed him as one of "world football's greatest talents". The Telegraph even speculated that his decision to turn Newcastle down played a decisive part in former Newcastle coach Eddie Howe's resignation.

Jackson, who has also been in excellent form recently, relishes playing alongside his new attacking partner: "He is a great player. He is still developing. Hopefully he will get better from game to game, score goals and support me in doing so. He will go a long way and hopefully he stays free of injuries." The two complement each other so well on the pitch that another new signing's lengthy absence barely drew attention until he made his debut amid their dazzling display against Fenerbahce Istanbul last week. That player is Leon Goretzka.

After the Newcastle match, manager Unai Emery also praised Manzambi. "He has a very good impact with his abilities," the meticulous Spaniard said of his dangerous young player. Alongside Manzambi's "game intelligence", he praised his "physical strength", which he said was "very important" to the way he plays, "to support us in defence and help us win the duels in attack."

Johan Manzambi: Which top club are already interested?

Manzambi had already shown those strengths at the World Cup and in Freiburg. He also ranked first in last Bundesliga season for runs of ten metres or more (116), runs ending in a shot (13) and fouls won (78). Europe's elite have apparently taken notice. Just weeks after his arrival, talk has already turned to a possible departure.

Among the loose rumours, Barcelona's interest appears the most concrete. As Marca reports, sporting director Deco is said to have already made enquiries about Manzambi and to be exploring a move next summer. Newspapers have cited a possible €100 million price tag. Given the fee paid a few months ago, recent developments in the fast-moving transfer market and a contract running until 2031, that figure would not be far-fetched.

If Manzambi keeps developing at this pace, an early move could make sense. The path to the very highest level looks open.

Johan Manzambi: Professional appearances and statistics