Aston Villa have completed the signing of United States-born Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma. The 23-year-old, who represented Japan at this summer’s World Cup, joined in a deal reportedly worth up to 35 million euros (£30 million).
This transfer casts fresh doubt over the future of Argentina international Emiliano Martinez, Villa’s established first-choice for six years. Martinez was not involved in Villa’s Uefa Super Cup loss last week and has been linked with a departure in recent summers.
Suzuki, born in New Jersey, grew up in Urawa, Japan, before playing for Sint-Truiden and Parma. He joins a Villa side that won the Europa League last season and will compete in the Champions League this term.
In other transfer news, Villa also secured the signing of 24-year-old Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid. Ruggeri will compete with Ian Maatsen for the starting left-back position. Villa's opening Premier League fixture is away at Brighton on Sunday.