Zion Suzuki has finally reached the Premier League, but his route to England could hardly have been more different from what was expected three years ago.
The new Aston Villa goalkeeper was once wanted by Manchester United, who saw him as a potential understudy to Andre Onana. Suzuki decided against the move, with regular football more important to him at that stage of his career.
Instead of heading straight to Old Trafford, he left Urawa Red Diamonds for Belgian side Sint-Truiden.
Zion Suzuki explains Manchester United snub
Suzuki’s decision was straightforward. He wanted to play.
“The priority was to play, that’s why I made the decision.”
That choice took him to Belgium for a year before he moved to Parma. He then spent two seasons in Serie A, giving him the regular first-team experience he believed he needed.
“I played in Belgium for one year and Parma for two years. I have been developing. It was very important to play in Serie A for two years. Now I am confident and I believe in myself.”
It is a decision that appears to have worked out for him.
Zion Suzuki eventually earned his move to Villa in a £30 million deal after impressing at the World Cup. Three years after turning down Manchester United, he is now back in England and ready to test himself in the Premier League.
Manchester United eventually settled on Senne Lemmens after loaning Andre Onana to Turkiye. Lemmens has since then impressed between the sticks and is set to play a key part in United’s season once again.
