Villa are nearing the completion of their fourth piece of summer transfer business, having already brought Coutinho, Kamara and Carlos to the club.
The latest news is that Villa have seen enough of Roma and Swedish international goalkeeper Robin Olsen and will make his loan move permanent.
Olsen’s only first-team appearance came in the frenetic final game of the season against Manchester City. It was of course a match in which Villa lead 2-0, only to collapse in the latter stages, a result that saw City crowned Premier League Champions. Olsen was notably assaulted whilst leaving the pitch following the conclusion of the game as supporters invaded the pitch at The Etihad.
Whilst this is perhaps not the best game in which to gauge the 32 year old’s qualities, the ‘keeper is well regarded, despite increasingly seen as “number 2” or squad back-up.
Embed from Getty ImagesOlsen joined Roma on a four year deal originally as a replacement for Alisson Becker, but failed to hold down a place after his first season. He has since been replaced by former Wolves stopper Rui Patricio.
Either way, Olsen does represent an experienced deputy with high level European and international that cannot be readily dismissed. An additional benefit is that the Swede is already familiar with Villa’s set up having been at the club on loan since January 2022, and would provide reputable back-up for Emi Martinez.
This inevitably brings into question what future Jed Steer has at the club, particularly with emerging youth prospects in the academy. Now 29, Steer has found his opportunities limited throughout his Villa career, but has contributed along the way, including an infamous play-off final face-off.
Steer has also been plagued by a number of lengthy injuries, and is currently absent after a nasty ruptured achilles sustained whilst on loan with Luton in March. Given these issues and the fact he has become increasingly peripheral, it’s reasonable to assume that he’ll be on the move with just a year remaining on his current deal.