‘Brilliant’ Chelsea target admits: I’m already learning English!

Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki has revealed that he is studying English amid links with Chelsea.

The Japan international has been one of the standout goalkeepers in Serie A since joining Parma from Belgian outfit Sint-Truiden in 2024. Suzuki recently made waves with his ‘brilliant’ display in a 0-0 draw against Genoa, which saw him save an injury-time penalty.

However, Suzuki is not an unknown quantity. On the contrary, the 23-year-old was already highly rated when he was still playing for Urawa Reds in Japan, and Man Utd famously considered signing him after axing David de Gea in 2023.

Now, Suzuki is being associated with Chelsea and AC Milan. The former are constantly linked with signing an upgrade on Robert Sanchez, while the latter are at risk of losing captain Mike Maignan for nothing next summer.

It is unclear whether Chelsea will actually dip into the goalkeeper market again in 2026, as they have Mike Penders impressing out on loan at Strasbourg, and he is expected to challenge Sanchez for the No.1 spot next season.

Suzuki learning English

Suzuki has now addressed the speculation surrounding his future while speaking to Corriere dello Sport, and it seems that he is preparing himself for a future transfer by studying English.

Although the shot-stopper was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, his family moved to Japan when he was a child, so the 23-year-old is trying to brush up on his language skills.

Speaking about the importance of routines, he said: “Today, for example, I did some exercises with special glasses and alternating lights to improve my reflexes. I work out, as I was saying, and then I study English and Italian.

“I’m a calm guy, a goalkeeper always has to be that way. I cover the goal well, and I know how to play with my feet. I work every day to improve in every way.”

When asked about his big-name suitors, Suzuki was coy. “I want to become one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and I’m very focused on Parma and the World Cup,” he said.

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