Aston Villa signs Japan goalkeeper Suzuki to leave Martinez future uncertain

BIRMINGHAM: (Aug 19) (AP) Aston Villa signed US-born Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma on Wednesday, a transfer that raises doubts about the future of Argentina international Emi Martinez at the Premier League club heading into the new season.

The 23-year-old Suzuki, who was Japan’s goalkeeper at the World Cup this summer and made a memorable save onto the post from Brazil star Vinícius Júnior’s shot, moved in a deal worth up to 35 million euros (USD 40 million), The Athletic reported.

Martinez, Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalie in 2022, has been first choice for Villa for six years but has been close to leaving for the past two off seasons. Juventus reportedly tried to sign him in recent weeks and Martinez wasn’t involved in the UEFA Super Cup loss to Paris Saint-Germain last week.