Japanese goalkeeper of Ghanaian descent Zion Suzuki is undergoing his medical examination at Aston Villa ahead of a proposed move from Italian side Parma this summer.
The Premier League club are understood to have agreed a €30 million deal with Parma for the 23-year-old, with a further €5 million potentially available in add-ons.
Aston Villa have also reportedly agreed personal terms with Suzuki, who is expected to sign a five-year contract that would keep him at Villa Park until 2031.
The move comes after Villa’s proposed transfer of Emiliano Martinez to Juventus collapsed, prompting the Birmingham-based club to accelerate their search for a new goalkeeper.
Suzuki has reportedly been Villa’s preferred target, and the club moved quickly to secure his services after another major European transfer involving the Japanese international broke down.
The goalkeeper had previously been close to joining Paris Saint-Germain, with the French giants reportedly agreeing a potential €35 million deal with Parma. Suzuki was expected to travel to Paris for his medical, but the move collapsed following disagreements over commission demands from his representatives.
Villa subsequently stepped in and intensified negotiations with Parma, putting themselves in pole position to sign one of Europe’s most highly rated young goalkeepers.
The developments also impacted Juventus’ plans, with the Italian giants having shown interest in Martinez. Their reported €10 million offer was not enough to convince Villa to sell the Argentine, while their pursuit eventually faded as Villa progressed with their move for Suzuki.
Suzuki has continued to enhance his reputation since moving to Italy. Last season, he made 20 Serie A appearances for Parma and kept five clean sheets, gaining valuable experience in one of Europe’s top leagues.
The Japanese international has also established himself as an important member of his national team and continues to build his reputation on the international stage.
For Aston Villa, the proposed signing represents a significant investment in a goalkeeper who still has considerable room for development. At just 23, Suzuki could provide immediate competition while also offering a long-term solution between the posts.
With his medical now underway, Villa are edging closer to completing the signing of Suzuki as they look to resolve their goalkeeping situation following the collapse of Martinez’s proposed move to Juventus.
