Villa bolster squad with arrivals of Suzuki and Ruggeri

Aston Villa have bolstered their squad with the permanent acquisitions of goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and left back Matteo Ruggeri, according to the Premier League club on Wednesday. The Japanese international Suzuki, 23, completes his transfer from Parma, where he made 59 appearances over two seasons. Suzuki's professional career began with Urawa Red Diamonds at the age of 16 before he moved to Belgian club Sint-Truidense VV in 2024.

He has made 22 appearances for Japan and participated in this year's World Cup. Suzuki is set to compete for the number one goalkeeper position at Villa, amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Emiliano Martinez's future at the club.

In addition, 24-year-old Ruggeri arrives from Atletico Madrid, where he played 26 matches in LaLiga and 15 in the Champions League. His contributions helped Atletico reach the semi-finals in the competition. Villa commence their Premier League season with an away match against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.