Aston Villa announce new contract for Viljami Sinisalo
Aston Villa goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo has signed a new contract at Villa Park, the club have announced on their website.
The Finnish under-21 international is growing in prominence at the club having become increasingly involved in first-team training, and made the bench on three occasions in the 2021/22 Premier League season.
Posting on his personal Twitter account after the news, the 20-year-old revealed it was a three-year extension, writing: “Happy to continue my stay at this great club for another 3 years! Exciting season ahead!”
Academy manager Mark Harrison praised the youngster, saying via the club website: “We are pleased that Viljami has signed a new contract and this is a really good reflection of his development over the last couple of years, which has seen him integrate into the first-team environment and be involved in the matchday squad.
Finnish MTV Urheilu journalist Itu Ikola has subsequently reported that Sinisalo is now set to move to Burton Albion to become their new number one for a season on loan.
He has apparently rejected other offers from English League Two and Scotland.
Future
With the permanent signing of Robin Olsen this summer there is a fairly crowded goalkeepers department in the senior squad at Villa.
The club clearly feel that Sinisalo has a future role at Villa Park, but after his only sustained senior experience came on loan in the Scottish second tier with Ayre United, he is unlikely to be ready just yet to step in if needed for too long.
He has plenty of time on his side so assuming he continues his positive development he should move up the pecking order in time.
If he is due to be in League One for the year that would leave him perhaps one more loan move from being settled in as third choice in the first team.
Emi Martinez is the clear top option ahead of Olsen and Jed Steer at present but the squad doesn’t remain still for long under Steven Gerrard.
It appears that the youngster had a number of teams interested in taking him temporarily this season, so if he is a success with Burton that should only increase his options for a step up next year.
In other Aston Villa news, Alan Hutton has reacted to the exit of Mahmoud Trezeguet.