Aug 19 (Reuters) - Aston ⁠Villa have strengthened their squad ⁠with the permanent signings of goalkeeper ‌Zion Suzuki and left back Matteo Ruggeri, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

Japan international ​Suzuki, 23, joins Villa ⁠after two seasons ⁠with Parma, where he made 59 appearances. ⁠He ‌began his professional career with Urawa Red Diamonds, making ⁠his debut at 16, before moving to ​Belgian ‌side Sint-Truidense VV in 2024.

Suzuki has ⁠been capped ​22 times by Japan and played at this year's World Cup. The ⁠goalkeeper is expected to challenge ​for the number one spot amid continued uncertainty over Emiliano Martinez's future at ⁠Villa.

Ruggeri, 24, arrives from Atletico Madrid, where he made 26 LaLiga appearances and featured 15 times in the ​Champions League, helping the ⁠team reach the semi-finals.

Villa begin their Premier ​League campaign away ‌to Brighton & Hove Albion ​on Sunday.

(Reporting by Paras J. Haji in BengaluruEditing by Christian Radnedge)