Aston Villa agree €35m deal for Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki

Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for a fee of €35 million plus bonuses, according to The Athletic. The 23-year-old Suzuki, who has been with Parma since 2024, has expressed a desire to join Villa throughout his career. Initially, Suzuki was close to a move to Paris Saint-Germain but the transfer fell through due to high fees from his representatives.

Since joining Parma, Suzuki has shown impressive shot-stopping abilities, helping the Italian club avoid relegation. His performance dipped last season, but he still attracted interest from clubs like Newcastle United. Among European goalkeepers, Suzuki ranks 55th percentile for save percentage and 36th percentile for post-shot expected goals minus goals against.

Suzuki is currently ranked ahead of Villa's current goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who is looking to leave the club. Juventus is leading the pursuit of Martinez, but no agreement has been reached yet. Villa is hoping Suzuki can step in and provide a strong replacement for Martinez. The club has signed four players this summer to prepare for the demands of domestic and European football next season. Villa's Premier League season begins against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.