Celtic have been linked with a plethora of goalkeepers as Brendan Rodgers looks to replace Joe Hart’s influential presence.
Undoubtedly, there are many different directions the Bhoys could take to find his successor, with experienced stoppers and young talent both available on the market this summer.
Typically, Celtic have tended to opt for experience. Hart, Fraser Forster (in his second spell) and even Craig Gordon are recent examples, given all arrived at Parkhead over the age of 30.
Nevertheless, there is one reported target who would represent a reversal of this trend, and it may be a risk worth taking for the Bhoys as they look to bolster the ranks with a new number one.
Viljami Sinisalo and his links to Celtic
Last month, reports suggested that Aston Villa goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo was among the names in the frame to succeed Joe Hart following his loan spell at Exeter City in 2023/24.
Spending time at the Grecians, the 22-year-old accumulated a wealth of experience, recording 14 clean sheets in 50 appearances across all competitions, per Transfermarkt.
Per FBRef, the Finland international obtained a save percentage rate of 70.3% from 182 shots on target faced in Sky Bet League One, impressing with his reflexes and helping Exeter to claim a comfortable mid-table finish.
Nevertheless, he looks set to test himself on a bigger stage. Believed to be valued at £3 million, he has emerged as an affordable option for Celtic that could possess considerable sell-on value down the line.
Furthermore, experience isn’t always a recipe for long-term thinking. Various sources have referenced Queens Park Rangers veteran Asmir Begovic and Southampton’s Alex McCarthy as targets the Bhoys are keeping an eye on.
Take the scenario that either were to come in; how long would they stay at Parkhead? One, two, or three years is probably the answer. Even if Sinisalo were to arrive and attract interest down the line, given the stage of his career, the Finnish stopper would potentially stay for a similar timeframe while prospectively netting a greater financial reward for Celtic to reinvest when he did move on.
Competent with his feet, the Espoo-born man also fits the brief of a modern-day goalkeeper who isn’t afraid to be in possession. Per Sofascore, he maintained an average of 91% accurate passes per match in the English third-tier.
Some would argue that distinguished figures as your last line of defence offer greater security and guidance to their defenders, but who is to say age determines that? Plenty of prodigious goalkeepers around Europe command respect due to being authoritative, so it shouldn’t be a major consideration.
Ultimately, Rodgers and company will have the final say in that respect. Sinisalo will be keen to try his hand as a number one, and Celtic need someone who can fulfil that duty moving forward.