Aston Villa keeper signs long-term deal with Scottish champions

Celtic have signed Finnish goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old has committed to a five-year contract with the Scottish champions, marking their first acquisition of the summer.

Sinisalo spent last season on loan at Exeter City, where he made an impressive 50 appearances. His previous stint in Scotland with Ayr United has equipped him with valuable insights into the league, which is expected to ease his transition to Celtic.

Joining Celtic for their pre-season tour in the United States, Sinisalo expressed his excitement about the move. He acknowledged Celtic as a major football club and conveyed his eagerness to contribute to such a prestigious team.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been vocal about the club's long-standing interest in Sinisalo. Rodgers emphasised that the young goalkeeper possesses qualities the club has been monitoring for some time. This signing is part of Celtic's broader strategy to bolster their goalkeeping squad, especially following Joe Hart's retirement.

In addition to Sinisalo, Celtic are anticipated to sign 37-year-old former Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. This move aims to provide immediate stability and experience to the team. While Schmeichel is expected to play a significant role in the short term, Sinisalo is seen as a long-term investment who could eventually become the club's first-choice goalkeeper.

Aston Villa confirmed Sinisalo's permanent transfer to Celtic on their official website. The deal is believed to include a buy-back clause, allowing Villa to track Sinisalo's progress in Scotland and potentially bring him back if he excels at Celtic.

Sinisalo's journey has been marked by steady development. He progressed through the youth ranks of HyPS, HJK, Honka, and Espoo before making his senior debut in Finland's lower divisions. After joining Villa's academy in 2018, he regularly featured for their U18 and U23 teams. His loan spells, particularly with Exeter City, have provided him with valuable experience and recognition.

Celtic's acquisition of Sinisalo reflects their strategic planning for the future. The club has been seeking a new 'number 1' to replace Joe Hart, and Sinisalo's signing is a crucial part of this plan. Despite his strong performances on loan, Sinisalo was far down the pecking order at Villa Park, making the move to Celtic a logical step for his career growth.