Paris Saint-Germain set to sign Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma
Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki is set to join European champions Paris Saint-Germain from Italian side Parma following a stellar 2026 World Cup campaign.
The 23-year-old had been heavily linked with a lucrative move to the Premier League this summer.
However, the highly-rated shot-stopper has instead opted to further his career in the French capital.
A rapid rise to the summit
The impending transfer marks the completion of a remarkable ascent to the top of the European game.
After warming the bench for Urawa Red Diamonds in his homeland, he was identified as a player of immense potential by renowned Dutch coach Frans Hoek.
Hoek was tasked with modernising the nation’s coaching structure to help them achieve their ambition of winning a global title by 2050.
Standing out on the global stage
I saw him in a camp and said, ‘this guy has to go to Europe as soon as possible’. It does not matter what league it is, he has to play.
Frans Hoek
Following a successful initial stint in Belgium with Sint-Truiden, the agile prospect spent two impressive seasons in Serie A with Parma.
His reputation skyrocketed internationally after emerging as one of the standout performers at the recent World Cup.
World Cup heroics and trademark saves
The former Belgian league star earned widespread praise for his defiant display against the Netherlands.
He then delivered another eye-catching performance during a narrow defeat to Brazil, pulling off a trademark low save to deny Vinicius Junior.
Dennis Rudel, his former coach at Sint-Truiden, previously highlighted the Japanese star’s phenomenal physical attributes.
Off-the-chart physical tests
It is like his body is just made of muscles. And I have never seen in my life a goalkeeper who can jump higher.
Dennis Rudel
Rudel noted that his physical test results were completely off the charts during his debut season in European football.
For a player boasting such an immense frame, the incoming Parisian is uniquely capable of extending his long arms low across the ground.
With those low power saves, his arms are so strong. Sometimes when goalkeepers go down fast and get their fingers to the ball, it still goes backwards.
That never happens to him, he has crazy power in his hands.