Aston Villa have officially confirmed the signings of Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, 23, from Parma, and Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri, who arrives from Atlético Madrid. The first transfer is estimated at around £30 million, according to information reported by the BBC.
The Zion Suzuki profile
Suzuki leaves Parma after two seasons and 59 matches in all competitions. The Japanese goalkeeper also has 28 caps with Japan and has gradually established himself as one of the most promising goalkeepers of his generation.
Before his spell in Italy, Suzuki had played for Sint-Truiden in Belgium. His former goalkeeping coach, Dennis Rudel, had quickly spotted his potential and highlighted his spectacular progress, particularly in his footwork, distribution, reflexes and athletic qualities.
His arrival at Aston Villa comes as the English club sought to strengthen its goalkeeping department. Suzuki had also been very close to joining Paris Saint-Germain this summer, before the negotiations ultimately failed to reach an agreement. Aston Villa then took up the case and secured his signature.
The situation surrounding Emiliano Martínez nonetheless adds a particular dimension to this signing. The Argentine goalkeeper remains under contract with Villa, despite discussions with Juventus. That deal has since cooled, and the Italian club ultimately explored other options. Suzuki therefore arrives at Villa Park without Martínez's succession being definitively settled.
The Matteo Ruggeri profile
Aston Villa have also officially confirmed the arrival of Matteo Ruggeri, 23, from Atlético Madrid. The transfer is valued at around £17 million.
Trained at Atalanta, Ruggeri gradually established himself there as a left-back capable of contributing in both phases of play, before joining Atlético last summer. His arrival directly answers the departure of Lucas Digne, transferred to Paris Saint-Germain on 9 August.
Villa are thus quickly filling the gap left on the left side of their defence. Ruggeri provides an additional option for Unai Emery, while Suzuki strengthens an area where the situation surrounding Martínez remains open.
Both new signings could be called upon quickly, as Aston Villa are due to begin their Premier League season against Brighton. The English club have thus struck a double blow in the transfer market, bringing in two still-young players already accustomed to the top level of European football.
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