Transfer Rumour Unconfirmed · Early speculationFootball ItaliaUnverified source· 19 Aug 2026
Ruggeri joins Aston Villa, says project enchanted him
Italy full-back Matteo Ruggeri swaps Atletico Madrid for Aston Villa, citing the club's project as irresistible.
M. Ruggeri
player
Player
Matteo Ruggeri
Position
Full-back
From
Atletico Madrid
To
Aston Villa
Fee
€25m plus add-ons
What happened. Matteo Ruggeri has officially joined Aston Villa from Atletico Madrid for €25m plus add-ons, after just one year at the LaLiga club.
- Ruggeri came through Atalanta's youth academy before moving to Atletico for €17m.
- He has three assists in 23 Champions League appearances.
- He is yet to play for Italy's senior team despite multiple call-ups.
“I was really enchanted by the project of the team, I know it’s a huge league with big expectations.”
— Matteo Ruggeri
Ruggeri hopes to continue impressing in the Champions League and win a trophy with Aston Villa.
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Aston Villa
