Aston Villa Secure €26.5m Deal for Atlético Madrid’s Matteo Ruggeri

Aston Villa have reached a verbal agreement to sign left-back Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid, triggering the famous "Here we go" confirmation from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Premier League club will pay a fixed fee of €25 million, complemented by an additional €1.5 million in performance-related add-ons. Ruggeri has already agreed to personal terms, chosen Villa over returning to Serie A, and is scheduled to undergo his medical examination in Birmingham later this week.

Unai Emery’s recruitment team moved swiftly in the market following the departure of veteran fullback Lucas Digne, who completed an £8 million move to Paris Saint-Germain. The 24-year-old Italian defender, known for his relentless work rate and precise crossing, is viewed as the ideal tactical replacement to fit Emery’s dynamic system.

Ruggeri's arrival injects youth and high-level European experience into Villa's defensive line as they prepare for a demanding domestic and continental campaign. The official club announcement is expected within days once the final paperwork is signed.