Official: Ruggeri joins Aston Villa from Atletico Madrid
Quick summary
Aston Villa have completed the signing of defender Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid on a permanent transfer.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceItalian 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) 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 t he 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.
“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.
“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!”
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What happened
Aston Villa have officially announced the signing of Italian defender Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid. The move brings the centre-back to the Premier League, where he will add depth and competition to Villa's defensive options. Ruggeri, who had been with Atletico Madrid, arrives as a permanent signing and is expected to be available for selection in upcoming fixtures.
Chance analysis
Aston Villa continue to invest in defensive reinforcement with the capture of Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid. The Italian defender arrives with La Liga experience and adds another option to Villa's back line as they compete across multiple domestic and European competitions. For Atletico, the departure frees up a squad spot and provides a return on a player who was not a regular starter in their system.
Aston Villa's defensive depth improves with the addition of Ruggeri, while Atletico Madrid lose a squad defender.