Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri has officially been announced as a new Aston Villa player following a season-long stint with Atletico Madrid in LaLiga in 2025-26.

Official: Ruggeri joins Aston Villa from Atletico Madrid

Ruggeri has completed a permanent transfer to join Unai Emery’s Villa; reports from Fabrizio Romano indicate that the fee is €25 million, with an additional €1.5 million in bonuses. Other sources estimate the transfer cost slightly lower, around €20 million.

Official: Matteo Ruggeri joins Premier League club Aston Villa from LaLiga side Atletico Madrid (via www.avfc.co.uk)

Ruggeri will sport the no.13 shirt in his inaugural season at Villa Park.

He becomes Aston Villa’s second addition of the day, following the earlier announcement of the arrival of Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki in a €35 million transfer from Serie A side Parma.

Ruggeri, who previously starred in Italy’s U21 team, developed his skills at the Atalanta academy. He spent roughly 14 years with La Dea before moving to Atletico Madrid on a five-year deal last summer. Last season, he made 47 appearances for Atletico across all competitions, featuring in 26 LaLiga matches and 15 in the Champions League.

His signing strengthens Villa’s left-back options, particularly after Lucas Digne’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the transfer period.

Advertisement

“Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid,” remarked a statement on the club’s website.

“A UEFA Europa League winner with Atalanta in 2024, the left-back has successfully transferred to B6.

Ruggeri graduated from the academy at Atalanta, where he made over 100 appearances and won European accolades before moving to Atletico last summer.

Though he has played for Italy at various youth levels, he has yet to make his senior debut for the Azzurri. Welcome, Matteo!”

Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri has officially been announced as a new Aston Villa player following a season-long stint with Atletico Madrid in LaLiga in 2025-26.

Official: Ruggeri joins Aston Villa from Ateltico Madrid

Ruggeri has completed a permanent transfer to join Unai Emery’s Villa; reports from Fabrizio Romano claim that it has cost €25m plus up to €1.5m in bonuses to complete a deal for the 24-year-old. Other reports have the transfer fee slightly lower in the region of €20m.

Official: Matteo Ruggeri joins Premier League club Aston Villa from LaLiga side Atletico Madrid (via www.avfc.co.uk)

Advertisement

Ruggeri will wear the no.13 shirt during his first season at Villa Park.

Ruggeri is Aston Villa’s second signing of the morning on Wednesday, following the announcement of the signing of Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki in a €35m transfer from Serie A side Parma.

The former Italy U21 star is a product of the Atalanta academy system and spent around 14 years on La Dea’s books before joining Atletico Madrid on a five-year contract last summer. He made 47 appearances across all competitions with Atleti last season, including 26 in LaLiga and 15 in the Champions League.

He bolsters Villa’s options at left-back following the departure of Lucas Digne, who joined Paris Saint-Germain earlier this transfer window.

Advertisement

“Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid,” read a statement on the club website.

MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 14: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona runs with the ball while under pressure from Matteo Ruggeri of Atletico de Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Club Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“A UEFA Europa League winner with Atalanta in 2024, the left-back has completed a permanent transfer to B6.

Advertisement

“The 24-year-old graduated from the academy at Atalanta, making over 100 appearances and lifting European silverware before completing a move to Atletico last summer.

“On the international stage, he has represented Italy at several youth levels but, despite being called up, is yet to make his senior bow for the Azzurri. Welcome, Matteo!”