Aston Villa have completed the signing of Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid for around £17 million. The 24-year-old joins as a direct replacement for Lucas Digne, who rejoined Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month.
Ruggeri's Atlético Struggles and Move to Villa
Ruggeri only joined Atlético from Atalanta last summer but struggled to produce his best form and was made available for transfer during the current window. Atlético have already signed Alex Grimaldo as his replacement, and Villa pounced on the opportunity to bring Ruggeri to Villa Park.
Despite falling out of favour early in his Atlético career, Ruggeri still made 47 appearances for the club last season. He started 20 La Liga matches and 13 of the club’s 16 Champions League fixtures, including both semi-final legs against Arsenal.
Background and Playing Style
Before his move to the Spanish capital, Ruggeri primarily operated as a left wing-back under Gian Piero Gasperini. He made 109 first-team appearances for Atalanta after progressing through the club’s academy.
Ruggeri becomes Villa's fourth signing of the summer, after Joao Gomes, Johan Manzambi and Alejandro Garnacho. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki is expected to then become Villa's arrival of the summer.
