Aston Villa completed the club-record signing of midfielder Johan Manzambi from Freiburg for just over £50m.
The fee exceeds the £50m Villa paid Everton for Amadou Onan in 2024 and represents another significant statement of intent from Unai Emery ahead of the new campaign.
Villa are also closing in on the £38million signing of Wolves midfielder Joao Gomez after the Brazilian left his club’s training camp in Portugal on Thursday to undergo a medical.
Manzambi appeared intended for Newcastle after the Magpies agreed a fee with Freiburg last week, but Villa quickly moved on the deal and the player ended up being the chosen destination.
The 20-year-old arrives at Villa Park after a breakthrough in Germany and an impressive summer on the international stage with Switzerland.
Manzambi scored three goals during Switzerland’s run to the championship World Cup quarter-finals before their campaign ended in defeat to Argentina.
He also featured against Villa in the Europa League final in Istanbul in May as Emery’s side secured a 3-0 victory to end the club’s 30-year wait for major silverware.
The midfielder’s performances for Freiburg saw him named the Europa League Young Player of the Season after registering seven goals in 47 appearances in all competitions as the Bundesliga side finished seventh.
Villa’s move comes amid significant changes in midfield.
Youri Tielemans left this summer after Manchester United activated the £35m release clause in the Belgium international’s contract, while Onana faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury during the World Cup in Belgium.
Further departures could follow in the coming weeks as Villa continue to balance their squad in accordance with UEFA financial rules.
Left-back Lucas Digne is believed to be closing in on a return to Paris Saint-Germain as the club look to create more space in the budget for new arrivals.