Report Suzuki focus of Aston Villa and Leeds United bidding war

Aston Villa have reportedly begun talks with intermediaries for Zion Suzuki, but Parma are hoping a bidding war erupts with Leeds United for the goalkeeper.

The Japan international had already impressed in Serie A this season by helping them secure a mid-table finish, and is now pulling out all the stops at the 2026 World Cup for his country too.

There had already been reports in Italy over the last few days that Aston Villa had chosen Suzuki as the ideal heir to Emiliano Martinez, who would seem to be close to a Serie A switch for Juventus.

Suzuki targeted by Premier League clubs

TOKYO, JAPAN – MAY 31: Zion Suzuki of Japan applauds fans after the international friendly match between Japan and Iceland at MUFG Stadium on May 31, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images)

Now teamTALK claim that the Premier League club has stepped up the pursuit by contacting intermediaries, hoping to put themselves in pole position for the Japanese-Ghanaian star.

However, Aston Villa are seemingly yet to speak directly with Parma, so any formal proposal is still quite a long way off.

The same source also notes that Leeds United have put Suzuki on their wish list, so Parma are hoping a Premier League bidding war breaks out.

He was purchased from Belgian side Sint-Truiden for €8.2m plus add-ons in 2024 and has a release clause in his contract worth €40m, which puts Parma in a very strong bargaining position.

His deal at the Stadio Tardini runs to June 2029 and Suzuki will celebrate his 24th birthday in August.

It had been a tough campaign for the goalkeeper, who was out of action from November 2025 to February 2026 after fracturing a bone in his hand.