Documents Exchanged To Complete Fifth Signing
Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid have completed the documents exchange for Matteo Ruggeri’s transfer, confirming a deal worth €25 million plus a further €1.5 million in add-ons. The Italy international becomes Unai Emery’s fifth signing of the summer, arriving specifically to fill the void left by Lucas Digne’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain.
Notably, this move has developed quickly once terms firmed up. Personal terms were never a genuine obstacle, and Ruggeri travelled for his medical shortly after both clubs shook hands on the fee. Just twelve months after joining Atletico from Atalanta for €17 million, he leaves having considerably increased his market value.
His single season in Madrid delivered solid, if unspectacular, numbers. Ruggeri made 26 La Liga appearances, created five big chances and contributed six assists across league and Champions League football combined. WhoScored ranked him the fifth-best left-back in Spain’s top flight last term, an average rating just below Real Madrid’s Alvaro Carreras.
Statistically, he offers a slightly different profile compared to Digne. Ruggeri averaged nearly five recoveries per 90 minutes, notably higher than his predecessor managed, though his attacking output and duel success both trail Digne’s numbers from last season. Adapting quickly to Premier League physicality will likely be his first genuine test.
Emery’s Fingerprints All Over The Deal
Interestingly, Ruggeri’s signing is reportedly driven primarily by Emery himself rather than Villa’s scouting department, continuing a pattern seen with recent arrivals Joao Gomes and Alejandro Garnacho. The Spanish coach has accumulated considerable influence over transfer decisions since arriving at Villa Park.
This move also continues Villa’s busy summer rebuild. Ruggeri joins Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Alejandro Garnacho and Modou Keba Cisse as the club’s fifth major addition, reflecting genuine ambition heading into another campaign featuring European football.
Timing proved fitting, too. Villa faced Digne’s new club PSG in the UEFA Super Cup around the same period, according to LiveScore, adding extra intrigue to a summer already shaped by defensive turnover.
Readers following Aston Villa’s transfer business can find continued coverage on KCPredict as the window edges toward its close.