Liverpool eye Villa’s £60m midfielder as possible fourth £100m signing

Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Aston Villa midfielder Johan Manzambi, the £60m signing who could become the club’s fourth £100m acquisition if the Reds decide to act. The 21‑year‑old has impressed under Unai Emery and is already linked with a move to the Premier League giants.

Manzambi’s Premier League impact

Manzambi’s performances have stood out since his arrival, with three goals and three assists in his first six league games. In the recent clash at Villa Park on Saturday, he won six of eight ground duels, completed four tackles and even carried his boot after losing it in a challenge on Manchester City winger Iliman Ndiaye.

The midfielder’s out‑of‑possession qualities have drawn particular praise, contrasting sharply with Liverpool counterpart Florian Wirtz, who still has to prove himself after his £100m move from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2025.

Villa’s ambitions and Liverpool interest

Unai Emery’s side delivered a stunning display to put Manchester City to the sword at Villa Park, a result that makes it hard to imagine why any player under the best manager in the Premier League would want to leave. Nicolas Jackson is thriving, enjoying the unconditional love of his manager and fans, while Owen Hargreaves described Zion Suzuki as “created in a lab”.

Alysson’s play has been likened to a clone of Morgan Rogers, and Joao Gomes has added further energy and steel to the irrepressible midfield. After a brief bedding‑in period, Villa look as good as ever despite losing Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Ezri Konsa in the summer. Hargreaves called Manzambi “the real deal, in and out of possession – he’s got everything”. Emery echoed the sentiment, saying the 21‑year‑old is a good guy, very professional and passionate, and that he joined Villa in the summer because he saw a clear path for development.

Reports from 4‑4‑2 note that Liverpool chiefs have consistently spoken favourably about Manzambi and will monitor him throughout the season. The Sun added that the Reds are keeping tabs on him with a view to swooping next summer, a view supported by Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola’s staff.

TEAMtalk claim Manzambi is extremely happy with his decision to join Villa and work under Emery, believing the club offers an ideal environment before considering the next step in his career. The question now is how long Villa can retain him against Liverpool and other suitors.

Whether Liverpool intend to replace Florian Wirtz or pair the German with Manzambi, the midfielder’s upward trajectory suggests the Reds may need to break the £100m barrier again to secure his services.