Celtic sign Finnish goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo on five-year deal from Aston Villa

Celtic has announced the acquisition of Finnish goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo from Aston Villa. The 22-year-old signed a five-year contract with the Scottish champions.

Sinisalo, expressing his enthusiasm to Celtic TV, said, "I know Celtic is a huge football club and it’s really exciting to be part of something so big. It feels amazing."

The young keeper, who came through Aston Villa's academy, impressed during his loan at Exeter City last season, earning the player of the year award after making 50 appearances.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers shared his excitement about the new addition, stating, "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 revealed that his move to Celtic had been anticipated for a while, saying, "It’s been on the cards for a little while and it’s nice to get it done. It’s an opportunity I can’t turn down and it’s something I was looking forward to as soon as I heard of the interest."

The Finnish international also highlighted the influence of Exeter City and its manager, former Celt Gary Caldwell, in his decision. "Exeter is a brilliant football club and I can’t speak highly enough about it. Without Exeter and Gary Caldwell, I probably wouldn’t be sitting here now. He’s only had good things to say about Celtic," Sinisalo added.

The goalkeeper is eager to work with Brendan Rodgers, noting, "It’s not often you work under great managers such as him. The way he spoke about me, how much I felt like he wanted me here, really drew me to come here. I can’t speak highly enough of him and I’m really excited to work under him."