Who is Zion Suzuki? Everything Aston Villa fans should know about new goalkeeper target
Aston Villa have reportedly added Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to their transfer shortlist if Emi Martinez leaves this summer.
Martinez's future is the subject of intense speculation ahead of the summer transfer window after Villa's Europa League triumph.
The World Cup winner was expected to leave Villa Park last summer, but stayed on and featured 44 times in all competitions last term.
He is now believed to be close to agreeing personal terms with Juventus, with Villa scouting several goalkeeper targets for if he does depart.
Parma's Suzuki is one of three goalkeepers on their radar, according to Fabrizio Romano, as he prepares to take part in the World Cup with Japan.
The 23-year-old has shared goalkeeping duties with Edoardo Corvi at Parma over the last 12 months, but ended the recent campaign as their clear number one.
Many Villa fans may not have heard of Suzuki, but Football Insider have rounded up all the information they need to know ahead of a possible arrival in B6.
Zion Suzuki's career path so far as Aston Villa eye summer move
Despite representing Japan at international level, Suzuki was born in New Jersey, United States to a Ghanaian father and Japanese mother.
He grew up in his mother's country and came through the Urawa Red Diamonds academy before making his J.League debut in 2021.
Suzuki struggled for regular game time as a youngster at Urawa and reportedly rejected a move to Man United in 2023 to join Belgian side Sint-Truiden on loan that summer.
The six-foot-three-inch stopper made 32 Pro League appearances and was called "one of the greatest talents in the world" by Sint-Truiden boss Thorsten Fink.
He earned a £7.5million switch to Parma in 2024 and instantly became their first-choice keeper, with seven clean sheets and 53 goals conceded in 37 2024-25 Serie A appearances.
Suzuki has earned 24 caps for Japan and was named in the IFFHS Asian Men's Team of the Year for both 2024 and 2025.
The 23-year-old remains one of the most highly-rated keepers in the world as it stands, with Villa now eyeing him to possibly replace Martinez between the sticks.
What is the latest on Martinez's future at Villa Park?
Martinez is a bonafide Villa legend, but could choose to end his six-year spell at the club this summer.
His form took a dip last term and regular injuries meant that backup stopper Marco Bizot was called upon more than expected.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Villa are ready to sell Martinez in the coming months.
Juventus are reportedly holding talks with his camp ahead of a possible move, with Gianluca Di Marzio reporting that they have agreed personal terms in the last few days.