Aston Villa has officially announced the signing of Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid for a reported fee of approximately €24 million. This acquisition is part of the club's strategic efforts to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season.
Ruggeri, 24, joined Atlético Madrid from Atalanta in the summer of 2025. During his single season with the Spanish club, he made 47 appearances across all competitions, contributing seven assists. Despite his consistent performances, Ruggeri did not secure a permanent starting position, leading to his transfer to the Premier League.
The Italian defender began his professional career with Atalanta, where he progressed through the youth ranks before making his senior debut in 2020. He was part of the Atalanta squad that clinched the UEFA Europa League title in 2024, showcasing his potential on the European stage.
Aston Villa's acquisition of Ruggeri aligns with their active transfer window, which also saw the signing of Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. These moves reflect the club's ambition to enhance their defensive options and overall squad depth as they prepare for the challenges of the Premier League and European competitions.
Ruggeri's versatility and experience in both Serie A and La Liga are expected to be valuable assets for Aston Villa. His ability to operate as a traditional left-back or as a wing-back provides tactical flexibility for manager Unai Emery. Fans are eager to see how Ruggeri will adapt to the Premier League and contribute to the team's objectives in the forthcoming season.