Matteo Ruggeri Joins Aston Villa from Atletico Madrid

Aston Villa has officially welcomed Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri to their squad, following his recent season with Atletico Madrid in LaLiga during the 2025-26 season. Ruggeri has made a permanent move to Unai Emery's team. Reports from Fabrizio Romano suggest the transfer fee was €25 million, potentially rising to €1.5 million with bonuses for the 24-year-old player. Other sources indicate a slightly lower figure, around €20 million.

Ruggeri will be taking on the number 13 jersey for his inaugural season at Villa Park. This signing marks Aston Villa's second acquisition of the morning, coming shortly after the announcement of Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki's €35 million transfer from Serie A club Parma.

A product of the Atalanta academy system, Ruggeri spent approximately 14 years with the Bergamo club before joining Atletico Madrid on a five-year contract last summer. During his tenure with Atleti last season, he participated in 47 matches across all competitions, including 26 in LaLiga and 15 in the Champions League. His arrival strengthens Villa's left-back options, especially after the departure of Lucas Digne to Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the transfer window.

A statement on the Aston Villa club website confirmed the signing: "Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid. A UEFA Europa League winner with Atalanta in 2024, the left-back has completed a permanent transfer to B6."

The statement further elaborated: "The 24-year-old graduated from the academy at Atalanta, making over 100 appearances and lifting European silverware before completing a move to Atletico last summer. On the international stage, he has represented Italy at various youth levels but, despite being called up, is yet to make his senior debut for the Azzurri. Welcome, Matteo!"

English Translation:

Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri has officially been announced as a new Aston Villa player, following a season-long stint with Atletico Madrid in LaLiga during the 2025-26 season. Ruggeri has completed a permanent transfer to join Unai Emery’s Villa. Reports from Fabrizio Romano suggest the transfer fee was €25 million, potentially rising to €1.5 million in bonuses for the 24-year-old. Other reports place the transfer fee slightly lower, in the region of €20 million.

Ruggeri will wear the number 13 shirt during his first season at Villa Park. He is Aston Villa's second signing of the morning, following the announcement of Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki in a €35 million transfer from Serie A side Parma.

The former Italy U21 star is a product of the Atalanta academy system and spent around 14 years on La Dea’s books before joining Atletico Madrid on a five-year contract last summer. He made 47 appearances across all competitions with Atleti last season, including 26 in LaLiga and 15 in the Champions League. He bolsters Villa’s options at left-back following the departure of Lucas Digne, who joined Paris Saint-Germain earlier this transfer window.

“Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid,” read a statement on the club website. “A UEFA Europa League winner with Atalanta in 2024, the left-back has completed a permanent transfer to B6. The 24-year-old graduated from the academy at Atalanta, making over 100 appearances and lifting European silverware before completing a move to Atletico last summer. On the international stage, he has represented Italy at several youth levels but, despite being called up, is yet to make his senior bow for the Azzurri. Welcome, Matteo!”