Aston Villa complete signings of goalkeeper Suzuki and left-back Ruggeri

Aston Villa have confirmed two new signings: Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who joins from Parma, and Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri, arriving from Atletico Madrid.

The 23-year-old Suzuki moves to Villa Park for a fee in the region of £30m, while the 24-year-old Ruggeri's transfer is worth £17m. Suzuki's arrival comes despite Emiliano Martinez's proposed move to Juventus collapsing over the weekend after the two clubs failed to agree a fee. Martinez, who helped Villa win the Europa League in May and won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, now faces an uncertain future at the club.

Villa regard Suzuki as their long-term first-choice goalkeeper, potentially for the next decade. He spent two years at Parma, making 59 appearances for the Serie A club and helping them finish 13th last season.

Ruggeri, who has yet to earn a senior cap for Italy, replaces Lucas Digne, who joined European champions Paris St-Germain on 9 August. A Europa League winner with Atalanta in 2024, Ruggeri made more than 100 appearances for the Serie A side before moving to Atletico Madrid last summer.

Both new arrivals could make their debuts in Sunday's Premier League opener away to Brighton.

Former coach praises Suzuki's strength

Dennis Rudel, who coached Suzuki during his loan spell at Belgian club Sint-Truiden in the 2023-24 season, described his former player as exceptionally powerful and mentally strong, with excellent hands and strong distribution using both feet and arms. Rudel said that if Suzuki stays fit, he has the potential to become one of the best goalkeepers in the world.