Aston Villa’s 20-year-old Congolese attacking midfielder Johan Manzambi is reportedly being closely monitored by FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, according to Football Insider and AfricaFoot. His club is said to be preparing a pay rise.
According to Football Insider and AfricaFoot, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are tracking the progress of Johan Manzambi very closely, the Congolese-born attacking midfielder who plays for Aston Villa. The interest stems from a remarkable start to the 2026-2027 season under Unai Emery: at just 20, the player has established himself, again according to AfricaFoot, as one of the sensations of the Premier League this season.
According to AfricaFoot, his market value has soared since summer 2026. The club has already begun preparing for the approaches coming his way, and the emergence of the attacking midfielder at Villa Park is no longer going unnoticed.
Five goal involvements in six appearances
The figures cited by AfricaFoot are telling: five goal involvements in just six appearances under Unai Emery, a record that puts Manzambi among the revelations of the moment.
That efficiency has drawn attention. Again according to Football Insider and AfricaFoot, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona scouts have watched the player on several occasions at Villa Park in recent matches, allowing them to follow him closely in the English league.
Two different plans in La Liga
At Real Madrid, Manzambi’s profile is reportedly being studied to rejuvenate and strengthen the technical midfield, alongside the established senior players already in place.
FC Barcelona would consider the player a priority target to strengthen its attacking play, should an opportunity arise next summer, again according to AfricaFoot. Two distinct approaches that could lead to a financial battle worth tens of millions of euros between the two La Liga clubs in summer 2027. At this stage, it is a rumour.
Villa and DR Congo lying in wait
Aston Villa have anticipated these approaches by preparing a pay rise coupled with a long-term, watertight contract, AfricaFoot reports. A contract extension offer could be made before January 2027.
The question of the player’s international future remains: he has not yet made his choice and is still heavily courted by the DR Congo’s Leopards. Aston Villa’s next fixture is a Premier League match this weekend.