Aston Villa sign Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to cast further doubt over Emiliano Martinez’s future

Aston Villa have completed the signing of United States-born Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma, a transfer that casts fresh doubt over the future of Argentina international Emiliano Martinez heading into the new season. The 23-year-old Suzuki, who represented Japan at this summer’s World Cup and made a memorable save onto the post from Brazil star Vinicius Jr, joined in a deal worth up to 35 million euros (£30 million), according to The Athletic. Martinez, Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning goalkeeper, has been Villa’s established first choice for six years but has come close to departing during the past two summers. Juventus were heavily linked with him in recent weeks, and he was not involved in Villa’s Uefa Super Cup loss to Paris Saint-Germain last week. However, the Italian giants have since moved on from Martinez and now look set to sign Tottenham shot-stopper Guglielmo Vicario on a season-long loan, leaving Martinez in limbo. Suzuki was born in New Jersey and grew up in Urawa, Japan, before moving to Belgium to play for Sint-Truiden in 2023 and joining Parma the following year. Emiliano Martinez faces an uncertain future (PA) He starred at the recent World Cup as Japan eased through their group by beating Tunisia and Sweden while holding the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw. However, Japan were eliminated by Brazil in the round of 32, with Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli scoring a late winner for the South American nation. Suzuki joins a Villa side that won the Europa League last season while also finishing fourth in the Premier League, ensuring they will compete in the Champions League this term. Following Lucas Digne's departure to Paris Saint-Germain, Villa searched for a new left-back and secured the signing of Matteo Ruggeri. The 24-year-old Italian joins from Atletico Madrid, having previously played for Atalanta where he won the Europa League. Ruggeri has represented Italy at youth level but is yet to play for the senior team. He will compete directly with Ian Maatsen for the starting left-back berth. Villa have lost a number of key players, though, including Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans. Villa's opening Premier League fixture takes place away at Brighton on Sunday.