Aston Villa signs Japan goalkeeper Suzuki to leave Martinez future uncertain

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Aston Villa secured U.S.-born Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma on Wednesday, a move that casts uncertainty over the future of Argentine international Emi Martinez, who has been first choice at Villa for six years. The 23-year-old Suzuki, who represented Japan at the 2022 World Cup and made a memorable save onto the post during a match against Brazil, joined Villa in a deal reportedly worth up to 35 million euros ($40 million).

Martinez, who was part of the 2022 World Cup-winning Argentine team, hasn't been involved in recent events like the UEFA Super Cup loss to Paris Saint-Germain and hasn't been a regular starter in recent seasons.