Aston Villa goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo heads out on League One loan – Gregg Evans
Aston Villa prospect Viljami Sinisalo has joined League One side Burton Albion on loan, according to Gregg Evans.
It was reported that the Finland Under-21 international was closing in on a move to The Brewers on Thursday 7 July by Finnish journalist Eetu Ikola, the day after he signed a new three-year deal at Villa.
The Athletic’s Gregg Evans is now reporting that the deal is done, though it has not yet been officially announced.
Sinisalo was the only player to play the full 90 minutes of Villa’s friendly with Walsall last week as he impressed and kept a clean sheet for Villa.
This will be Sinisalo’s second loan spell away from the club after he spent the 2020/21 season at Scottish Championship side Ayr United.
A good move
The move is a big step up for Sinisalo as the 20-year-old ‘keeper looks to make his break into senior football.
He was installed as Villa’s third choice ‘keeper last season and made two Premier League squads, featuring on the bench in away fixtures against Chelsea and Manchester City.
Instead of warming a seat in the stands and playing for the Under-21s, Sinisalo has chosen to head out on loan and play senior football.
It represents a big step up for the young ‘keeper, stepping into a club that finished 16th in League One last season.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s side conceded 67 goals last season and won just two of their last 16 matches, giving Sinisalo a lot to do between the sticks.
Burton were in the Championship as recently as 2018 and had a promising start to the 2021/22 season, leaving them dreaming of a return to the second tier.
It puts a lot of responsibility on Sinisalo’s young shoulders, but his form for Villa’s youth teams and the belief the club has in him suggest he can handle it.
In other Aston Villa news, Villa Women have completed the signing of Danielle Turner from Everton.