Football
Exclusive: Man Utd Turn to SC Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi as Alternative to Adam Wharton
SC Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi is a highly sought-after 20-year-old midfielder, impressing scouts with his box-to-box play. Premier League clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal are eager to sign him, but Freiburg's high asking price could be a barrier. With his impressive performances in the Bundesliga and Europa League, Manzambi is seen as a valuable long-term investment for any top club.
FC Bayern München v Sport-Club Freiburg - Bundesliga by Sebastian Widmann | Getty Images
In a market increasingly saturated with one-dimensional midfielders, SC Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi has emerged as the ultimate box-to-box hybrid.
The 20-year-old Swiss sensation is currently the talk of the transfer market, developing into the standout saga of 2026.
After dominating the Bundesliga, Manzambi has put the Premier League’s elite on red alert, with top-tier scouts constantly monitoring the man dubbed the "Modern-Day Gladiator."
Premier League Scouts Step Up the Pressure
English clubs view Manzambi as a battle-hardened solution ready for the physical intensity of the top flight. Following masterclass performances against Leipzig and Augsburg, interest has reached boardroom levels.
Manchester United have shown the strongest interest in Manzambi, with the Red Devils eyeing a summer move as part of a full midfield rebuild. While interim manager Michael Carrick is yet to be confirmed in a permanent role, United are reluctant to spend big in January, but a deal is looking increasingly likely for the summer.
United have also been linked with Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, but while Manzambi isn’t Premier League-proven, he could offer a cheaper alternative.
Chelsea view him as a long-term project in line with their youth-focused strategy, while Arsenal see Manzambi as the ideal engine room addition, praised for his speed in transition and tactical discipline.
The "Unstoppable Force" on the European Stage
Manzambi is the linchpin of Freiburg’s success.
This term, he has been a statistical outlier, ranking in the top 5% of the league for distance covered and successful dribbles. His ice-cold composure during Europa League nights has proven he can deliver on the biggest stages.
A Record Price Tag
With a contract extension running until 2030, Freiburg is in a position of total strength. While his market value is pegged at €30M, the German club is reportedly baulking at any valuation below the €50M–€55M mark. Any deal at this price would shatter the club’s transfer record.
While FC Bayern, PSG, and Napoli remain in the hunt, a move to the Premier League is a near-certainty. Manzambi is a decade-long insurance policy for any elite midfield.
As Deadline Day approaches, the question is which giant will be bold enough to meet the asking price.
Ekrem Konur is a renowned football transfer specialist and journalist with a global reputation for breaking exclusive stories. He has established strong collaborations with major international outlets such as Marca, AS, Mundo Deportivo, Bild, Record, Daily Mirror, CaughtOffside, Goal, and ESPN. Additionally, Ekrem has a long-standing history of covering European football for the prominent Japanese magazine World Soccer Digest. With a massive digital reach of over 1.2 million followers and 60 million monthly impressions, he bridges the gap between club boardrooms and fans, serving as a leading authority in the global transfer market.