Aston Villa are closing in on the capture of Robin Olsen, whose loan deal with Sheffield United could be terminated in January.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has offered an update on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Robin Olsen. The Midlands outfit are keen on securing a short-term loan deal for the Swedish goalkeeper and have even agreed personal terms with the player.
However, the deal may hinge on Sheffield United as Olsen had joined the Blades in the summer on a season-long loan deal. Romano believes his loan contract at Sheffield could be terminated in January, allowing Aston Villa to snap him on up a temporary deal until the end of the season.
Formerly of Malmo, Olsen has been a part of his parent club, AS Roma, since 2018. However, the Swede hasn’t quite enjoyed a fruitful spell with the Giallorossi, making 27 appearances in his debut season before being shipped to Cagliari on a loan deal. He played the 2019/20 season in Sardinia, featuring in 17 league matches.
However, the following summer, the tall shot-stopper joined Everton on a season-long loan deal. He was the preferred backup for Jordan Pickford at Goodison Park, which, as one would expect, didn’t go all too well either, with the 32-year-old mustering only 11 appearances in all competitions.
In an attempt to get more game-time under his belt, Olsen joined Sheffield United in the summer. He started the season well, but an injury during the international break allowed Wes Foderingham to become the club’s number one. As a result, the Swede could be on the move again, with Aston Villa emerging as a likely destination.
Although the Villans boast the services of one of the best goalkeepers in the league in the form of Emiliano Martinez, coach Steven Gerrard lacks proper back-up for the Argentine, with Jed Steer being the only alternative.
Martinez’s performances have also made him a hot prospect in the market, with Manchester United among the clubs reportedly hot on his heels. It has compelled Gerrard to go after a new goalkeeper in January — someone who can offer competition for the ex-Arsenal shot-stopper during the second half of the campaign.
Olsen fits the bill given his vast experience of playing in different leagues across Europe. The 32-year-old has a solid track record on the international stage as well, having won 53 caps for Sweden. Such experience and pedigree at the highest level could make him a huge asset for an Aston Villa side that has already made a solid impression in this transfer window with the recent capture of Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne.
