Celtic sign former Exeter City loan goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo from Aston Villa
He was the Grecians’ player of the year last year
Celtic have completed their first summer signing after Finland international goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo joined on a five-year contract from Aston Villa.
The 22-year-old came through the Premier League club’s academy and spent last season on loan at Exeter City where he was named player of the year for the Sky Bet League One side after making 50 first-team appearances across all competitions.
Sinisalo, who previously spent time with Ayr in 2020-21 and featured in a friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park ahead of Euro 2024, flew out with the Scottish champions on Tuesday for their pre-season trip to America.
Speaking to Celtic TV, the goalkeeper said: “I know Celtic is a huge football club and it’s really exciting to be part of something so big. It feels amazing.”
Sinisalo is is set to provide competition and cover for 37-year-old Kasper Schmeichel, who is expected to arrive in Glasgow later this week as the Hoops look to replace the retired Joe Hart.
“I am delighted to welcome Vil to Celtic,” said manager Brendan Rodgers. “He is a keeper with real qualities and someone we have been aware of and monitored for some time.”
“Clearly we have been looking to develop our goalkeeping team and we are really pleased to have secured one of the talented keepers we really wanted.”
Cole Palmer is reportedly pushing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins to Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea keen on securing the services of the English international this summer.
According to a report by Football Insider, Ollie Watkins is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are keen on signing a prolific striker in the summer transfer window. The West London club might have help from Cole Palmer, with the youngster urging the Aston Villa mainstay.
The rise of Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins has established himself as one of the best strikers in the Premier League since joining Aston Villa from Brentford in September 2020. A native of Torquay, the Englishman began his youth career at Newton Town & Buckland Athletic but graduated from the academy at Exeter City after spending most of his formative years at the club.
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