EFL coach talks up Viljami Sinisalo’s ‘life-changing’ move to Celtic, other suitors were keen

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Viljami Sinisalo became Celtic’s first signing of the summer earlier this week and could be in line to make his debut against DC United this weekend.

The 22-year-old arrived from Aston Villa for a fee in the region of £1 million, providing a competent number two to Kasper Schmeichel between the sticks at Parkhead.

Capped three times by Finland at international level, Sinisalo gained valuable experience on loan at Exeter City last term, keeping 14 clean sheets in 50 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].

Brendan Rodgers has finally found permanence in a problem position amid Joe Hart’s retirement earlier this year, and there is hope the Hyvinkää-born glovesman can become a future number one at Parkhead.

In light of his move, Sinisalo’s former goalkeeping coach, Kevin Miller, has wished him well in Glasgow’s east end.

Kevin Miller on Viljami Sinisalo’s move to Celtic

Miller explained that Sinisalo also had the chance to move to Charlton Athletic this window, as he stated [Exeter City FC]: “I spoke with Vil and he’s absolutely buzzing. He could’ve gone to Charlton, he was sort of waiting and waiting and waiting for the Celtic thing to happen.

“It’s a no brainer that he is going there. Not only financially life-changing but to go to a club of that stature – Europe. (Kasper) Schmeichel is there, but he’s 38 years of age, and Vil can learn so much goalkeeping knowledge from him.

“I’m sure Vil will play eight to 10 games this year in cup games and maybe games after they’ve played in Europe.

“I’ve said to him: ‘Just be yourself – don’t be any different to what you’ve been here.’ He’s such a humble guy. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.”

Sinisalo arrives at Celtic with a growing reputation and has been a long-term target for the club since 2021, so it is a relief to see his arrival finalised.

Working in tandem with Schmeichel will be a brilliant education for the Finland international, who has previously cited the Denmark international as his footballing idol.

His move to the Bhoys wouldn’t have been possible without his excellent exploits at Exeter City, which is something Miller would’ve had a big influence on behind the scenes.