One of the goalkeepers reportedly on Celtic’s radar ahead of Joe Hart’s imminent retirement from professional football has already been given the seal of approval from a former Hoops favourite.
And with Brendan Rodgers’ Scottish Premiership leaders under pressure to find a shot-stopper capable of filling Joe Hart‘s gloves – a task easier laid out than achieved, certainly – Celtic could do a lot worse than to get in touch with a familiar face.
One suspects Gary Caldwell would have few qualms about presenting his old employers with a glowing reference too, having watched on in awe as Viljami Sinisalo grew from a boy into a man under his management at Exeter City in England’s third tier.
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“I think it’s brilliant that a loan player can come and connect with the club like he has,” Caldwell told BBC Radio Devon in April.
“It shows the power of this football club, the power of their supporters. Normally, loan players come and they get what they need out the loan and they go.
“I think this club is so much more than that, so I think we’re a brilliant club for loan players. But the way he’s bought into everything and connected with the supporters, with teammates…”
The £3 million-rated Sinisalo – initially linked with Celtic back in 2021 – has never made a single first-team appearance for parent club Aston Villa. He has, however, played over 50 senior games during loan spells at Exeter, Burton Albion and north of the border at Ayr United.
Celtic, of course, would be a step up (Scottish Sun). Not only in quality but in pressure. But, after helping Exeter climb well clear of the relegation zone thanks to an eight-game unbeaten run at the end of the campaign, Caldwell is convinced that the ‘outstanding‘ Sinisalo possesses the talent as well as the mentality to ascend rapidly up the footballing ladder.
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“He turned up at half five at a gym at Newton Abbot and he was the first one there, after cancelling his holiday,” beams Caldwell, a two-time Premiership winner with Celtic in 2007 and 2008. “I think that tells you everything you need to know about Vil.
“And I’m sure he’ll go on to have an incredible career.”
Celtic, HITC understands, are also watching Liverpool’s Coaimhin Kelleher and Trabzonspor captain Ugurcan Cakir. Patrick Pentz of Bayer Leverkusen and Etienne Vaessen of RKC Waalwijk have also been linked in some quarters.
Michael Zetterer of Werder Bremen was another option, but signed a new contract over the weekend.
But what Sinisalo lacks in experience and proven top-flight talent – like Kelleher and 2021 Super Lig champion Cakir – he perhaps makes up for in affordability, potential and ambition.
“That’s my dream,” the Finland international told the Aston Villa website back in 2022. “To be the best goalkeeper in the world.”
If Sinisalo adapts to life in Scotland anything like another player who arrived at Celtic after a fine spell in England’s League One – a certain Matt O’Riley – then that rumoured £3 million fee could be money very well spent.