On Tuesday, Aston Villa completed their ninth permanent deal of the summer as Unai Emery parted ways with one rarely-seen star.
The summer transfer window has been hectic at Aston Villa so far, with several deals already completed and more activity poised to take place before deadline day.
So far, nine permanent deals have been sanctioned, representing five arrivals and four departures.
On Tuesday, Viljami Sinisalo joined Celtic on a five-year contract from Villa, leaving B6 after a six-year association with the club.
Celtic manager Brendan Rogers reacts to signing Viljami Sinisalo from Aston Villa
After spending the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Exeter City, Sinisalo returned to Bodymoor Heath before being purchased by Celtic.
The Scottish Premiership champions are reported to have paid a fee in the region of £1m for the 22-year-old, who impressed in League One last season.
The Finland international was crowned Exeter City’s Players’ Player of the Year with his top performances, paving the way for his transfer to Celtic.
Following the transfer being confirmed, Celtic boss Brendan Rogers expressed his delight at welcoming Sinisalo to Celtic Park, via Celtic’s official website.
“I am delighted to welcome Vil to Celtic. 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.”
Sinisalo leaves Villa after six years without securing a senior appearance, with his growth coming as a result of excelling on a series of loan spells and in the academy.
A fresh opportunity for Sinisalo to show his ability
The 22-year-old will now have a shot at impressing at a Champions League club following his successful spell in League One last term.
The former Villa goalkeeper has already gained experience playing in Scotland during his career, having spent some of the 2020/21 campaign in the Scottish Championship with Ayr United.
After making his move, Sinisalo penned a heartfelt goodbye to B6, insisting that he will “always be grateful” to the club for the opportunities.
Emi Martinez commented on the post wishing the 22-year-old well on his endeavor to Glasgow saying, “All the best brother”.
Given Rogers’ comments after securing the signing of the shot-stopper, it’s clear to see that he could have a bright future ahead at Celtic, in what seems to be a logical next step for the former academy ace.
