Aston Villa’s newest recruit is not sending large ripples through the transfer market like Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho did. Nonetheless, the signing of Robin Olsen was a necessary one for Steven Gerrard’s side, providing a reliable backup for Emiliano Martinez.
Robin Olsen Joins Aston Villa
Loan Move Until End of the Season
Aston Villa have now confirmed the arrival of Olsen, on loan from AS Roma, until the end of the season. This required Sheffield United to terminate his loan, which the Blades had no issue doing due to the rise of new number one Wes Foderingham at Bramall Lane.
Martinez is still the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper at Villa Park. But, with only one other senior goalkeeper in their squad, the arrival of Olsen is a necessary one to provide a reliable backup in case Martinez has to miss time in a season where players have spontaneously had to miss matches due to COVID-19.
Robin Olsen Entering Swan Song of Career
Despite getting his second Premier League move following his loan to Everton last season, it appears as if Olsen’s days as a number one in Europe’s top leagues may be limited. He is moving from a number two role in the Championship to a number two role in the top flight of English football. The 53-time-capped Swedish international team player has only played 24 times in the top flight over the past three seasons since losing the number one role for AS Roma.
Having started his career in his home country, it would not be a shock to see the 32-year-old eventually return to the Allsvenskan. But for now, his focus will be on the exciting project happening under Steven Gerrard: if he is to be called upon this season, it will be a prime opportunity to show both Aston Villa and other teams why he deserves one more chance for a major European top-flight club.
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