Aston Villa officially announce the signing of Parma's Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki..

Aston Villa announced on their official website on Wednesday that they have signed Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma.

According to Aston Villa's official statement, Suzuki has signed on a long-term five-year deal with the club which runs until the summer of 2031. He will also wear the number 1 jersey.

After completing his transfer procedures, Suzuki, who was interviewed by Villa's official website, said: "I am very excited and happy to be here to start my new journey."

"I think this club is a perfect fit for my first journey in the Premier League. And they (Villa) always give their all to compete for titles.

"I'm eager to play at the highest level, which is why I decided to come here." 

About Zion Suzuki

Suzuki, 23, was born on August 21, 2002, in Newark, New Jersey, USA. He is 1.90 meters tall and plays as a goalkeeper. Due to Japan's ban on adults holding dual citizenship, he has renounced her American citizenship.

Suzuki returned to Japan with his family at a young age and joined Urawa Red Diamonds' youth academy. He completed his first-team debut in a J.League Cup match in March 2021, becoming the youngest debutant in Urawa Red Diamonds' team history.

During his three-year spell with Urawa Red Diamonds, Suzuki won the AFC Champions League, the Emperor's Cup, and the Japanese Super Cup once. He was also named the J.League Cup's Young Player of the Year.

Such outstanding performances attracted the attention of Manchester United, but he declined the offer, preferring more consistent playing time and development opportunities.

In July 2023, Suzuki joined Sint-Truiden on-loan.

The following July, Sint-Truiden triggered his buy-out clause and immediately sold Suzuki to Parma for €7.5 million.

During his two-year spell with I Crociati, Suzuki made 59 appearances for the Serie A club in all competitions, conceding 83 goals and keeping 13 clean sheets.

Image source: Internet / Aston Villa official website