Leeds lead Aston Villa in the race to sign Suzuki | OneFootball

Aston Villa are behind Leeds United in the race to sign Zion Suzuki, according to Calciomercato.

The Villains are looking at potential replacements for Emiliano Martinez, who could leave the Birmingham-based club this summer.

Villa are preparing for a campaign in which they’ll be competing on multiple fronts and desperately need quality.

The Villans have identified the Suzuki as a key target. He caught the eye for Parma in Serie A last term, keeping five clean sheets.

His goal prevented numbers are not the most impressive, but at 23, Unai Emery’s side believes there is so much potential.

The New Jersey-born talent can compete with Marco Bizot for the starting position and grow into one of Europe’s finest goalkeepers.

However, the Villans would have to move quickly with Leeds steaming ahead in the race for his signature.

Karl Darlow is leaving the club following the expiry of his contract, and they need someone to take the reins between the sticks.

Priced at €30 million, Suzuki would be a terrific pick for Aston Villa, considering the financial constraints the club is working under.

Villa cannot afford to miss out on this elite talent

Villa should not allow their Premier League rivals to enjoy a free run at a goalkeeper of Suzuki’s calibre.

The 6ft3 ace already possesses the complete toolkit of a modern No. 1.

He combines outstanding shot-stopping with calm, accurate distribution, allowing his team to build from the back.

That blend is still remarkably rare, making him one of the most exciting young goalkeepers on the market.

His displays for Japan at the 2026 World Cup have only bolstered that reputation, with Suzuki repeatedly producing breathtaking saves on the international stage.

Unai Emery’s side cannot afford to let a goalkeeper with Suzuki’s ceiling slip through their fingers after what happened with Harry Wilson.