Aston Villa complete Suzuki and Ruggeri double signing

Aston Villa have completed the permanent signings of goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma and left-back Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid, bolstering their squad ahead of the new Premier League season. The double deal was confirmed by the club on August 19, 2026, just days before their opening fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

Suzuki, a 23-year-old Japan international, has joined on a five-year contract. The transfer is reported to be worth an initial fee of £30 million, with a further £5 million in potential add-ons. The move comes after a proposed transfer to Paris Saint-Germain collapsed earlier in the window. Suzuki spent the last two seasons with Parma in Serie A, making over 50 appearances. He is expected to compete with Marco Bizot for the starting goalkeeper position.

The signing of Suzuki follows the breakdown of a deal that would have seen veteran goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez leave for Juventus. While Martinez remains at the club, he is considered surplus to requirements, and Villa are reportedly eager to move him off the wage bill. Suzuki is likely to make his debut in goal for Villa's Premier League opener at Brighton.