Done Deal: Italy talent Ruggeri joins Aston Villa for €18m plus €6m bonus
Quick summary
Matteo Ruggeri, an Italian left-back, has completed a permanent transfer to Aston Villa for €18 million plus €6 million in potential add-ons.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceMarca report that Italy international Matteo Ruggeri will join Aston Villa after an agreement with Atletico Madrid worth €18m plus €6m in add-ons.
The left-back just celebrated his 24 th birthday last month and was purchased from Atalanta in the summer of 2025 with an investment worth €17m.
His value has since increased considerably on the transfer market, thanks to seven assists in 47 competitive appearances for the Colchoneros.
He started 39 of those games last season, including all the Champions League knock-out rounds that took them to the semi-final against Arsenal.
Ruggeri ready for Aston Villa transfer MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Matteo Ruggeri of Atletico de Madrid reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) According to Spanish site Marca , a deal has been done for Atletico Madrid to complete the sale to Aston Villa, and he won’t be travelling with Diego Simeone’s squad to South Korea.
It is going to be a fixed fee of €18m plus a further €6m in potential performance-related add-ons.
Once that is completed, along with Nahuel Molina’s imminent sale to Roma, then Atletico Madrid could use those funds to beat Inter to Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 17: Matteo Ruggeri of Atletico de Madrid controls the ball whilst under pressure from Omar El Hilali of RCD Espanyol during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid at RCDE Stadium on August 17, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images) Another potential knock-on effect is that Aston Villa will abandon their pursuit of Milan left-back Pervis Estupinan, as they have the role covered now with Ruggeri.
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What happened
Aston Villa have secured the signing of Italian defender Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta in a deal worth €18 million, with a further €6 million achievable through bonuses. Ruggeri, considered one of Italy's promising young full-backs, brings Serie A experience and depth to Villa's defensive options. The move underscores Aston Villa's continued investment in the squad as they compete domestically and in European competition.
Chance analysis
Aston Villa are strengthening their squad with a young, established Serie A left-back, adding depth and competition for places. Ruggeri's arrival signals continued ambition from Villa in the transfer market and addresses a positional need. For Atalanta, losing a young Italian talent is a blow, though the fee represents solid business for a developing player.
Aston Villa gain a young, experienced left-back, improving squad depth and competition for places; Atalanta lose a promising academy product but receive a significant transfer fee.
Aston Villa's defensive depth improves with the addition of a proven Serie A left-back, which could positively affect their upcoming match projections.