Aston Villa Sign Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and Left-Back Matteo Ruggeri
· Sports · BBC Sport
Aston Villa have completed the signings of goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and left-back Matteo Ruggeri for a combined transfer fee. Suzuki arrives at Villa Park from Italian side Parma for around £30m, while Ruggeri joins from La Liga club Atletico Madrid in a £17m deal. The 23-year-old Japan international Suzuki signed a long-term contract as the club's prospective number one goalkeeper, following two seasons at Parma where he made 59 appearances. Ruggeri, a 24-year-old Italian full-back and 2024 Europa League winner with Atalanta, replaces Lucas Digne after Digne transferred to Paris St-Germain. Both new recruits could make their debuts in Sunday's Premier League opening match against Brighton. Meanwhile, current goalkeeper Emi Martinez faces an uncertain future at the club after his proposed move to Juventus collapsed over the weekend.
Why it matters
The dual signings reshape Aston Villa's defensive lineup ahead of the Premier League season opener against Brighton while leaving current goalkeeper Emi Martinez's future unresolved following a failed transfer to Juventus.
Read the original report — BBC Sport
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