Celtic have completed their first summer signing after Finnish international goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo joined Aston Villa on a five-year deal.
Sky Sports News Celtic have been said to have paid a fee of around £1million for Sinisalo.
The 22-year-old came through the Premier League club’s academy and spent last season on loan at Exeter, where he was named the Sky Bet League One team’s player of the year after making 50 first-team appearances in 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.
Talk to Celtic Television, The goalkeeper said: “I know Celtic are a big football club and it’s really exciting to be part of something so big. It’s an incredible feeling.”
Sinisalo is expected to provide cover for 37-year-old Kasper Schmeichel, who is expected to arrive in Glasgow later this week as the Hoops look to replace the retiring Joe Hart.
The 22-year-old is understood to be brought in as a replacement and will be mentored by new signing Kasper Schmeichel, whose medical has been delayed.
“I’m delighted to welcome Vil to Celtic,” said manager Brendan Rodgers. “He’s a goalkeeper with real quality and someone we’ve known and monitored for some time.
“We were clearly looking to develop our goalkeeping squad and we are really pleased to have secured one of the talented goalkeepers we really wanted.”
Midfielder Matt O’Riley joined his team-mates as they prepared to fly out for friendlies against DC United, Manchester City and Chelsea.
The Denmark international has been the subject of renewed speculation this week following reported interest from Juventus and Atalanta, among others.
Another midfielder, Paulo Bernardo, is set to join Celtic in the United States, with the club agreeing a £3.5million fee with Benfica following his loan move last season.
When does the summer transfer window open and close?
THE Summer transfer window 2024 in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership is officially open.
The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and 11.30pm in Scotland.
The Premier League and Scottish Premiership have brought forward the deadline to link up with other major European leagues. The deadlines were set following discussions with leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.
