The spotlight of Aston Villa’s transfer window has been on the high-profile transfers of Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho. Their next arrival, however, will not catch the eye of many. Nonetheless, signing Robin Olsen on loan from AS Roma to be number two to Emiliano Martinez is a necessary transfer for the Villains.
Robin Olsen Close to Aston Villa Loan Switch
Ending Sheffield United Stay for Premier League Loan
AS Roma loaned Olsen to Championship side Sheffield United in hopes he would start every match as Aaron Ramsdale‘s replacement. Now that Olsen’s number one spot with the Blades is no longer secure and Aston Villa need a veteran understudy for Martinez, a move to the Premier League is in the cards.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Sheffield United are letting Olsen return to AS Roma, who are to immediately loan him out to Aston Villa, with a medical set for Tuesday. Olsen will join Aston Villa on loan for the rest of the season.
Robin Olsen Falling Out of Favour at Sheffield United Made Move Inevitable
Once Ramsdale left for Arsenal, Olsen was the undisputed number one for Sheffield United. Between the middle of September and the early portion of November, he started 11 consecutive league matches. But, as he conceded 17 times and only kept one clean sheet, second-choice goalkeeper Wes Foderingham was given an opportunity to prove his case to be a starter. In six matches since taking over for Olsen, he has kept four clean sheets and conceded just four times. Thus, Sheffield United have their new number one, and Olsen’s services were no longer required at Bramall Lane.
The 32-year-old Swedish shot-stopper knew sitting on the bench for a Championship side could derail his career, so he irked for a move away. When Aston Villa came calling for a backup for Emiliano Martinez, as their only other senior goalkeeper is Jed Steer, Olsen was keen. The majority of Steer’s career has been spent in the lower tiers of English football, and in his lone Premier League appearance this season, he conceded three times. Thus, Aston Villa did not feel entirely confident in their depth if Martinez were to be sidelined for a long time. The arrival of Olsen, a reliable goalkeeper with plenty of European top-flight experience, will help the Villains.
What Olsen’s career has in store after this season remains to be seen. It is unlikely he will see the pitch much, if at all, this campaign. But, considering the project currently happening at Villa Park, between the tremendous investment in the transfer window and the appointment of Steven Gerrard as manager, there is no wondering why Olsen would prefer to be with Aston Villa than with Sheffield United for the next few months.
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