Matteo Ruggeri has joined Aston Villa
Matteo Ruggeri has joined Aston Villa(Image: GERRIT VAN KEULEN: ANP via Getty Images)
Aston Villa have completed the signing of Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid for around £17 million.
The 24-year-old replaces Lucas Digne in Unai Emery’s squad after he rejoined Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month.
Ruggeri only joined Atlético from Atalanta last summer but struggled to produce his best form and was made available for transfer during the current window.
Atlético have already signed Alex Grimaldo as his replacement, and Villa pounced on the opportunity to bring Ruggeri to Villa Park.
Eight transfers Birmingham City could complete less than two weeks before transfer deadline
Despite falling out of favour early in his Atlético career, Ruggeri still made 47 appearances for the club last season.
He started 20 La Liga matches and 13 of the club’s 16 Champions League fixtures, including both semi-final legs against Arsenal.
Before his move to the Spanish capital, Ruggeri primarily operated as a left wing-back under Gian Piero Gasperini.
He made 109 first-team appearances for Atalanta after progressing through the club’s academy.
What do you make of the move? Tell us here
Get YOUR Aston Villa Newsletter