Aston Villa ink goalkeeper Suzuki and left-back Ruggeri

Aston Villa have officially signed goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and left-back Matteo Ruggeri.

The Japanese goalkeeper Zion makes the move to the Premier League from Serie A club Parma for almost 30 million pounds, while Matteo comes from Atletico Madrid for 17 million pounds.

Suzuki joins the club despite Emiliano Martinez’s transfer to Juventus collapsing over the past weekend, with the 2 teams unable to agree a fee.

The Argentinian goalkeeper, who helped the club win the Europa League a few months ago and was also crucial for Argentina’s triumph in the World Cup in Qatar, faces an uncertain future after his failed transfer to the Old Lady.

Unai Emery views the Japanese goalkeeper as their long-term number 1, potentially for at least a decade. Zion had been part of Parma for 2 seasons, playing 59 matches for the Italian club and helping them finish 13^th in the past campaign.

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Ruggeri will need to replace Lucas Digne, who surprisingly will continue his career at the French champions PSG earlier this month.

Unai Emery has been planning for the exit of No 1 Emiliano Martinez for the last two summers, and much detailed work has duly gone into sourcing his replacement.

The Midlanders have been in contact with Parma all summer about Zion Suzuki’s situation, keeping abreast of his… pic.twitter.com/KITtB0Mnj0

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) August 19, 2026