Deco eyes €60m Aston Villa midfielder as Barcelona target on Tuesday

Barcelona have identified Aston Villa midfielder Johan Manzambi, a €60 million signing, as a potential target, with sporting director Deco set to assess him when the clubs meet in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Why Barcelona are interested

According to SPORT, the 21‑year‑old Swiss international has become one of the players most admired by Barcelona’s sporting department.

Since arriving in the Premier League he has delivered three goals and four assists in eight appearances, averaging a goal contribution every 70 minutes.

His breakthrough season at Freiburg saw him record seven goals and nine assists.

That campaign established him as one of Europe’s most exciting young midfield talents.

He also received UEFA’s Europa League Revelation of the Season award for 2025‑26.

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup he added three goals and two assists for Switzerland.

His impressive Premier League performances have attracted attention, but any move to Catalonia would demand a significant financial commitment.

Aston Villa’s visit to the Spotify Camp Nou later today gives Deco a chance to evaluate the midfielder firsthand.

Aston Villa paid approximately €60 million for Manzambi in 2026, with possible add‑ons that could raise the total.

He is also under a long‑term contract at Villa Park, making a departure particularly complicated.

Registering seven goal contributions in eight appearances underlines his production and strengthens Villa’s negotiating position.

Consequently Barcelona would need concrete financial backing to secure the 21‑year‑old, who joined Villa in 2026.