A standout midfielder under close watch
Paris Saint-Germain currently boast one of the most effective midfields in European football. The trio of Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz and João Neves has earned widespread praise from analysts, combining technical quality, ball recovery and attacking thrust with remarkable fluidity. Yet despite this solid foundation, the Parisian hierarchy continues to plan for future changes within the squad.
According to German newspaper Bild, the French champions have set their sights on Johan Manzambi, the SC Freiburg midfielder who has emerged as one of the standout revelations of this Bundesliga season. At just 20 years old, the Swiss international is attracting attention from Europe's biggest clubs thanks to his consistent performances and early maturity.
The ideal profile for Luis Enrique
Johan Manzambi perfectly embodies the type of player Luis Enrique favours. The Spanish coach, known for his preference for versatile profiles, has always prioritised midfielders capable of operating in multiple positions and adapting to different tactical setups. The Geneva-born youngster ticks all those boxes.
Comfortable playing as a central midfielder but also capable of pushing forward as a second striker, Manzambi possesses a complete technical skill set. Standing 1.82m tall and right-footed, he combines physical power with intelligent movement, along with an ability to break defensive lines with the ball at his feet that recalls the best box-to-box midfielders in European football. His forward runs and goalscoring instincts provide additional assets in a system where Luis Enrique expects his players to constantly exceed their designated roles.
A confirmed breakthrough in the Bundesliga
Developed at Servette Geneva, Johan Manzambi joined SC Freiburg's academy in January 2023 at the age of 17. After progressing through the U19 setup and then the reserve team, where he made 10 appearances in the Regionalliga Südwest during the 2023-24 season while scoring twice, the young Swiss made his professional debut on 21 August 2024 in a 3-0 victory against FC Heidenheim in the Bundesliga.
His initial appearances towards the end of last season had already shown promise, with two goals and one assist across six consecutive matches. However, it is since the summer restart that Manzambi has truly stepped up, establishing himself as an undisputed starter in Julian Schuster's XI. This season, he has started every match he has featured in, totalling 19 appearances across all competitions with a return of four goals and four assists.
His first European goal, scored during the 3-1 away victory against OGC Nice in the Europa League last November, confirmed his ability to perform on the continental stage. These displays earned him a first call-up to the Swiss national team in June 2025, where he now has eight caps and three goals to his name.
PSG's forward-thinking strategy
Paris Saint-Germain's interest in Johan Manzambi reflects a proactive approach to squad planning. While the Vitinha-Fabián Ruiz-João Neves trio continues to deliver, questions about succession are already being considered. Fabián Ruiz, a Euro 2024 winner with Spain, is now 29 years old and his contract runs until 2027. When asked recently at a press conference ahead of the Champions League match against Athletic Bilbao, the Spaniard sought to reassure about his future while remaining focused on sporting matters.
PSG can also rely on internal solutions through Warren Zaïre-Emery, currently deployed at right-back in the absence of Achraf Hakimi, Senny Mayulu, a genuine utility player appreciated by Luis Enrique, or Lee Kang-In when he operates in midfield. But signing a profile like Manzambi would add another quality option while smoothly preparing for the natural evolution of the squad.
High-level European competition
Paris Saint-Germain are not alone in this pursuit. According to reports in the German press, reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and SSC Napoli are also tracking the Swiss midfielder's performances. Competition therefore looks fierce for the Parisian club, especially as Freiburg have no intention of parting with their prized asset in the immediate future.
Under contract until 2030 following an extension signed in June 2025, Johan Manzambi represents a valuable asset for the Breisgau-Brasilianer. Jochen Saier, a member of Freiburg's board, praised the player's consistent development when announcing his contract renewal, emphasising that the club provides the ideal environment for his growth.
A potential record sale for Freiburg
While a winter departure appears ruled out, the situation could change during next summer's transfer window. SC Freiburg, renowned for their sound management and sustainable financial model, have historically shown an ability to sell their best players at the right time. The club's current transfer record stands at approximately €25 million for Kevin Schade, who joined Brentford.
Given Johan Manzambi's performances and the growing interest he is generating among European heavyweights, that record could well be broken next summer. Market observers estimate his transfer fee could exceed €30 million, potentially rising further should a bidding war develop between the various suitors.
For Paris Saint-Germain, attracting a talent of this calibre would represent a double success: strengthening their midfield both in depth and quality while securing a player whose potential for growth remains immense. At 20 years old, Johan Manzambi is far from finished making headlines.
