Aston Villa complete permanent signing of Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid

Aston Villa have completed the permanent signing of Italy international left-back Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid as Unai Emery continues to strengthen his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

The 24-year-old arrives at Villa Park after spending just one season in Spain, with Atlético confirming that an agreement had been reached for his permanent transfer to the Premier League club.

Ruggeri joined Atlético from Atalanta in the summer of 2025 and went on to make 47 appearances in all competitions during his time in Madrid, providing seven assists. He featured regularly in both domestic and European competition, including 26 LaLiga appearances and 15 outings in the Champions League last season.

His performances gave Atlético an attacking outlet from the left side, with Ruggeri capable of operating as both a conventional full-back and a wing-back. That flexibility should give Emery another option in a position that demands significant involvement in both Villa’s build-up play and defensive structure.

Neither Aston Villa nor Atlético disclosed the transfer fee in their official announcements. Reports in Spain have valued the deal at around €24 million, although the final financial structure has not been made public by either club.

The move represents Ruggeri’s first experience of English football and comes only a year after he left Serie A for Spain. Before joining Atlético, he developed through Atalanta’s system and established himself in the first team, building a reputation as an energetic and technically capable wide defender.

Villa have been active in the transfer market as they reshape the squad for the new campaign, and Ruggeri’s arrival adds further competition and depth on the left side of defence.

For Atlético, the transfer ends a relatively short spell for the Italy international in Madrid. For Villa, it brings in a player with experience across Serie A, LaLiga and the Champions League who is still entering what should be the prime years of his career.