According to the Sunday People (20/6; page 56), Celtic are keeping close tabs on Aston Villa starlet Viljami Sinisalo. But they are not alone in the race with the likes of Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig have scouted him extensively of late. The youngster has entered the final year of his Villa contract and is yet to pen a new deal to extend his stay in the Midlands.
This has alerted Sinisalo’s suitors as they are monitoring Villa’s stance on their prized asset. The 19-year-old Finland youth international enjoyed first-team football last season while on loan at Ayr United. He went on to feature 29 times for the Scottish Championship outfit across competitions, however, the loan spell was cut short after enduring a groin strain in the closing months.
Celtic, meanwhile, are set to enter a phase of transition under new boss Ange Postecoglou. The former Socceroos chief has accepted the challenge despite the outrage from the fans and promised to make the difference straight away. Known for his attacking brand of football and promoting the youth, Postecoglou would hand the fringe stars a lifeline to impress him during pre-season.
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A fresh beginning might help Vasilis Barkas to revive his Hoops career but, at the same time, the gaffer’s trust in the academy stars must encourage the Finnish prodigy to ply his trade at Parkhead this summer. Although the offer from Bundesliga is much more fascinating, Celtic would allow Sinisalo a clearer and quicker senior status compared to the German giants.
Staying put and developing his game at Villa Park should not be ruled out either. The Premier League side enjoyed an exquisite campaign after surviving a relegation scare the season before and the signing of Emiliano Martinez from Arsenal has been a massive coup to restore stability in goal. This might jeopardize Sinisalo’s future with the Argentine set to retain the ‘number 1′ role for years to come.
Barkas’ dreadful form earned Scott Bain and Conor Hazard a few appearances between the sticks. Bain is only a decent backup, whereas Hazard, at 23, should seek more game-time to cement his place in the Northern Ireland squad. While a potential move for Mat Ryan is making the rumour mills, Celtic might eventually opt for a shake-up in the last line of defence ahead of next season. The Aston Villa prospect must grab this opportunity and stake a claim in Postecoglou’s plans for first-team football.
