Aston Villa are set to sign Japan international Zion Suzuki as their new goalkeeper, making him the first Japanese player to become a Premier League club's number one. The 23-year-old will replace Emiliano Martínez, the Argentina World Cup winner, and arrives having already overcome significant setbacks, including racist abuse he received online following errors at the 2023 Asian Cup. His arrival marks a milestone for Japanese football in England, 25 years after Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi became the first Japanese goalkeeper to play in the English league, with Portsmouth.

Suzuki, who has a Japanese mother and a Ghanaian-American father, rebuilt his reputation after the Asian Cup setback, moving from Urawa Reds to Belgium's Sint-Truiden in 2023 before signing a five-year deal with Parma in Italy, where he became first choice. He impressed further at this summer's World Cup, notably with a save from Vinícius Júnior, and ranked second in Serie A last season for crosses caught, high claims and successful long passes. While his shot-stopping and athleticism are well regarded, questions remain over how quickly he will adapt to the physical demands of English boxes under manager Unai Emery.