BURTON Albion have signed goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo on loan until the end of the season from Premier League club Aston Villa.
The 20-year-old trained with his new teammates for the first time this morning at the club’s St George’s Park training base and could be set to make his Brewers debut in tomorrow night’s pre-season friendly against Nottingham Forest at the Pirelli Stadium.
Last week, the stopper signed a new three-year-deal at Villa Park and played 90 minutes for Villa’s first team in their 4-0 win over Walsall at the weekend, having captained Finland's U21s in their three UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifying games this summer.
Sinisalo has already experienced time out on loan, impressing during his time with Scottish Championship side Ayr United during the 2020/21 season.
Manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink said he is happy with the acquisition of Sinisalo and believes he will add the required extra quality to the goalkeeping department.
“We’re pleased to have been able to bring Vil in, he’s got pedigree at such a young age," said the Brewers manager.
“He’s had a fantastic summer with Finland’s U21s, he’s highly-rated at Villa and he’s the type of keeper we like, so we’re pleased to bring him in.
“He’ll bring real competition to the goalkeeping ranks alongside Ben, Callum and Dan, and working closely with Jake too.
“We’re pleased to get him in before the season starts - now the hard work starts and he’s got three weeks to get used to everyone, how we play and everything.”
On signing at the Pirelli Stadium this afternoon, Sinisalo said the he’s ‘buzzing’ to join the Brewers and has settled in straight away in his new surroundings.
“I’m buzzing – as soon as I spoke to the manager I felt really wanted. I’ve had my first day in now, the lads have been top class and it’s been easy to settle in so far. Hopefully there’s more to come!
“I knew a few people here from different connections, like Charlie (Lakin), I spoke to him (before I came). I like to get myself in and amongst everyone as soon as I can. The more time I have with my teammates the better. I’ve enjoyed the first day.
“Jake (Kean) has been top class with me and that was a big factor in me coming in. I spoke to him before I came here and I really enjoyed the way he spoke and what he wanted. I really like the sessions already and now I’m just buzzing to see what happens.”
Welcome to Burton Albion, Vil!