Aston Villa signs Japan goalkeeper Suzuki to leave Martinez future uncertain

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Aston Villa signed U.S.-born Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma on Wednesday, a transfer that raises doubts about the future of Argentina international Emi Martinez at the Premier League club heading into the new season.

The 23-year-old Suzuki, who was Japan's goalkeeper at the World Cup this summer and made a memorable save onto the post from Brazil star Vinícius Júnior's shot, moved in a deal worth up to 35 million euros ($40 million), The Athletic reported.

Martinez, Argentina's World Cup-winning goalie in 2022, has been first choice for Villa for six years but has been close to leaving for the past two offseasons. Juventus reportedly tried to sign him in recent weeks and Martinez wasn't involved in the UEFA Super Cup loss to Paris Saint-Germain last week.

Suzuki was born in New Jersey, grew up in Urawa, Japan, and moved to Belgium to play for Sint-Truiden in 2023 before joining Parma the following year.

Villa won the Europa League last season and also finished fourth in the Premier League, so will play in the Champions League this season.

With Lucas Digne joining Paris Saint-Germain this offseason, Villa was in the market for a new left back and found one in Matteo Ruggeri.

The 24-year-old Italian joined from Atlético Madrid, having previously played for Atalanta — where he won the Europa League.

Ruggeri has represented Italy at youth levels but hasn't played for the senior team.

He will compete with Ian Maatsen for the left back berth.

Villa's first Premier League match is at Brighton on Sunday.

See AP’s full soccer coverage here

FILE - Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez reacts after Spain had a goal disallowed during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)

FILE - Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki (1) makes a save during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hernández provided key hits in Shohei Ohtani's absence as the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied for a 6-5 victory over the Washington Nationals on Saturday night.

Edman put the Dodgers ahead with a three-run homer in the seventh inning out of Ohtani’s regular leadoff spot, and Hernández had an RBI single in the first while replacing the two-way superstar at designated hitter.

Ohtani remains uncertain to play in Sunday’s series finale, with a move to the injured list possible.

Dylan Crews and Daylen Lile each had an RBI double for the Nationals, and Cade Cavalli pitched six strong innings following a rocky start. Cavalli retired 15 of the last 16 batters he faced.

Keibert Ruiz had a run-scoring single against his former team but Washington lost its third consecutive game.

See AP’s full MLB coverage here

Washington Nationals' James Wood dives as he steals second during the third inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani smiles in the dugout during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow throws to the plate during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Tommy Edman, left, has seeds thrown at him by Teoscar Hernández after hitting a three-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Tommy Edman heads to first for a three-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)