Villa sign goalkeeper Suzuki and left-back Ruggeri

Aston Villa have signed goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma and left-back Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid. The Japan international Suzuki, 23, joins Villa Park for a fee of around £30 million, moving from the Italian side for the first time. Atletico Madrid's Ruggeri, also 23, signed for the English club in a deal worth £17 million, replacing Lucas Digne who has moved to Paris St-Germain.

Suzuki was a key figure for Parma, making 59 appearances in Serie A and helping the team finish 13th in the previous season. Villa's former coach Dennis Rudel, who previously coached Suzuki at Sint-Truiden, describes the young goalkeeper as powerful and unique, with a special ability to "let the beast out on the pitch." Rudel believes Suzuki has the potential to become one of the world's best goalkeepers, praising his distribution and mental clarity.

Ruggeri, who has yet to be capped at senior level for Italy, is expected to fill the left-back position vacated by Lucas Digne's move to Paris St-Germain. Both players are expected to make their debuts in Villa's upcoming Premier League match against Brighton.