Liverpool track £54m Johan Manzambi as possible Alexis Mac Allister replacement
Liverpool are plotting a swoop for Aston Villa's Swiss attacking midfielder Johan Manzambi, with reports naming him as a potential replacement for Alexis Mac Allister. The Reds' hierarchy want to monitor the 21-year-old ahead of a possible move to Anfield next summer.
- Target: Johan Manzambi, 21, Swiss international attacking midfielder
- Current club: Aston Villa, signed in the summer as their second-most expensive signing
- Valuation: £54m on Transfermarkt
- Context: Eyed as a possible replacement for Alexis Mac Allister, who is attracting interest from Real Madrid
- Stage: Liverpool want to closely monitor him for a potential swoop next summer
- Form: Six goal contributions in six games for Unai Emery's side
Deal details
According to reports via the Sun citing Swiss sources, Liverpool's hierarchy have expressed a desire to closely monitor Manzambi ahead of a possible swoop to Anfield next summer. The interest is driven by Reds boss Andoni Iraola and his coaching staff, who have been impressed by the midfielder's displays.
No fee has been agreed and no formal approach has been reported. The source notes that signing him will not be easy, given he only moved to Villa Park less than three months ago. Liverpool would therefore need to submit a significant offer well above his £54m Transfermarkt valuation to test the Villains' resolve.
Why Liverpool want Manzambi
The driving force behind the interest is concern over Alexis Mac Allister's future. The Sun reports that the Argentine international is attracting interest from Real Madrid, and the Reds have earmarked Manzambi as a potential replacement should Mac Allister move on.
Manzambi offers a different profile — a younger, more direct attacking midfielder. Having signed him as part of a revamped Villa attack alongside Nicolas Jackson and Ibrahim Mbaye, Villa will be reluctant to sell so soon. Unai Emery's side spent heavily to make him their second-most expensive signing, and he has repaid that faith.
The player's rise
Manzambi began his career in his home country with Servette, 17-time Swiss Super League champions. He joined Freiburg in 2023 and progressed through the academy ranks at U17, U19 and Freiburg II.
He made his debut for the German club in August 2024 and quickly became an indispensable presence in the lineup. Last season he provided 16 goal contributions to help Freiburg secure a European spot.
At international level, Manzambi was one of Switzerland's best players at the World Cup, netting three goals and providing two assists in four games. His teammate Breel Embolo described him as 'incredible'.
What was said
"incredible"
Embolo's assessment reflects a player already trusted on the biggest stage. Three goals and two assists in four World Cup games is a serious return for a 21-year-old appearing at his first major tournament.
That international form is precisely what has drawn Liverpool's attention. Iraola's coaching staff are understood to value midfielders who can contribute directly in the final third, and Manzambi's output fits that brief.
The numbers
- £54m — Manzambi's Transfermarkt valuation
- 16 — goal contributions for Freiburg last season, helping them secure a European spot
- 6 — goal contributions in six games since arriving at Aston Villa
- 3 goals, 3 assists — his record for Villa this season
- 3 goals, 2 assists — his World Cup record in four games for Switzerland
- 2 — chances created against Newcastle United on Saturday
- 3 — shots taken against Newcastle United
- 2 — times he won possession against Newcastle United
Why Manzambi fits Iraola's Liverpool
Johan Manzambi's game against Newcastle on Saturday underlined exactly why Liverpool are watching. He created two chances, took three shots, won possession twice and scored the winning goal in a 1-0 win over the Magpies. That is the all-round midfield contribution Iraola's coaching staff appear to be targeting.
The goal also made the Swiss international the fourth player to score or assist in each of his opening three Premier League starts for Villa. He follows Dalian Atkinson in August 1992, Dion Dublin in November 1998 and Danny Ings in August 2021 — company that highlights how quickly he has adjusted.
With Alexis Mac Allister linked to Real Madrid, Liverpool's hierarchy are planning ahead rather than reacting late. Manzambi's age, output and ability to play as an attacking midfielder make him a logical long-term successor, though Villa's recent outlay means any deal would be expensive and difficult.
Talking points
- Should Liverpool move for Manzambi now or wait a season? Villa paid heavily and will demand far above £54m, so timing could decide the whole deal.
- Is Manzambi really a like-for-like replacement for Mac Allister? One is a deep-lying controller, the other a direct attacking threat — the tactical fit is debatable.
- Villa sold no one cheaply under Emery. Testing their resolve for a player signed three months ago may be a waste of Liverpool's summer window.
- If Real Madrid firm up interest in Mac Allister, Liverpool lose leverage. Monitoring Manzambi quietly may be smarter than a public pursuit.
What happens next
Liverpool will continue to monitor Manzambi's performances, with the report pointing towards a possible swoop next summer rather than in the current window. Villa's stance will be tested first by Manzambi's own form — six goal contributions in six games will only raise his price. Any Liverpool bid must comfortably exceed his £54m valuation.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Liverpool's target to replace Alexis Mac Allister?
Liverpool have identified Aston Villa's Johan Manzambi as a potential replacement for Alexis Mac Allister, according to reports via the Sun.
How much is Johan Manzambi worth?
Manzambi is valued at £54m on Transfermarkt, and the report says Liverpool would need to bid well above that to test Villa's resolve.
Why might Liverpool need to replace Mac Allister?
The Sun reports that Real Madrid are showing interest in Alexis Mac Allister, prompting Liverpool to earmark Manzambi as a possible successor.
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