Sawt Falasteen - Villa sign Japanese 'keeper Suzuki, Italian defender Ruggeri

The arrival of 23-year-old Suzuki, following a stellar showing at the World Cup, could hasten the departure of Argentina 'keeper Emiliano Martinez from the Premier League club.

Martinez, who won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 and played in this year's final, has been a target for Italian clubs.

Suzuki joins the reigning Europa League champions on a permanent transfer for a reported fee of around 35 million euros ($40 million) from Serie A outfit Parma.

Born in the United States, Suzuki made his debut for Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds aged 18.

Following a short stint in Belgium with Sint-Truiden, he spent the past two seasons with Italian side Parma.

Suzuki will be the first Japanese goalkeeper to play in the Premier League.

Manager Unai Emery further bolstered his side's defensive options by securing the services of left-back Ruggeri from La Liga's Atletico Madrid.

The 24-year-old came through the youth system at Italian club Atalanta, where he was part of the squad that won the club's first piece of European silverware in the 2024 Europa League.

He joined Atletico last season and made 47 appearances in all competitions for Diego Simeone's side.

Ruggeri has been capped by Italy up to under-21 level but, despite having been called up to the senior squad, is yet to make his full international debut.

After finishing fourth in the Premier League last season, Villa will compete in the Champions League this season.

They have had to contend with the loss this summer of England international midfielder Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea in a 117-million-pound deal, while Belgium international Youri Tielemans moved to Manchester United.

Villa responded by recruiting 20-year-old forward Johan Manzambi, who impressed for Switzerland at the World Cup, and have taken Alejandro Garnacho on loan from Chelsea.

S.Barghouti--SF-PST