Viljami Sinisalo on what he is ‘really excited’ about at Celtic after joining the Bhoys

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Celtic have a new goalkeeper in town following confirmation that Viljami Sinisalo has joined the Bhoys on a five-year contract.

The Finland international was announced yesterday, arriving for a fee in the region of £1 million from Premier League high-flyers Aston Villa.

Sinisalo feels like a bargain signing in many ways. Amid news that Kasper Schmeichel is also set to arrive at Celtic, he will have the perfect mentor to help prime him for first-team action as the future number-one stopper at Parkhead.

Spending last term on loan at Exeter City, the 22-year-old kept 14 clean sheets in 50 appearances across all competitions. Gary Caldwell was impressed by his exploits and tipped the gloves man to have an ‘incredible’ career in professional football.

After his arrival was communicated yesterday on Celtic’s social media channels, Sinisalo has opened up on why he is so excited about the move.

Viljami Sinisalo opens up on Celtic switch

Speaking about joining Celtic, Sinisalo stated [Celtic FC]: “It’s been on the cards for a little while and it’s nice to get it done. It feels amazing. 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. I’ve been told about a project for myself and for the football club and I’m excited to join that.

“Hopefully the fans can see a lot more of me over the next couple of years. It’s a project that’s got me here and I’m really excited for it.”

Later, he added on being able to work with Brendan Rodgers: “It’s not often you work under great managers such as him. I talked to him and the way he spoke about me, how much I felt like he wanted me here, that was what really drew me to come here.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him and I’m really excited to work under him.”

Viljami Sinisalo pinpoints Brendan Rodgers selling point

From his observations, the fact he was so keen to make the move due to the prospect of working with Rodgers is a big selling point.

Clearly, the Irishman has put a lot of thought into this move. Sinisalo has been on Celtic’s radar for months, and there is reason to suspect he has been earmarked as a mainstay of the future at Parkhead.

Schmeichel will take on the brunt of the pressure for the foreseeable future; however, having a capable understudy with the potential to replace the Dane is evidence of succession planning in action.

Celtic fans have yearned for sensible recruitment all summer. It doesn’t need to be groundbreaking, but supporters will be satisfied with the direction of transfer activity as long as it makes sense.

Sinisalo has been brought in with a clear pathway to first-team football. Hopefully, he can develop into a valuable asset for years to come.