Robin Olsen has joined Aston Villa on a loan deal until the end of the season from Italian club Roma. The player was on loan at Sheffield United for the first half of the season, which has since been terminated for him to move up to the Premier League.
The player was expected to stay at Sheffield throughout the season, but that has not gone according to plan since the loan spell had to be terminated beforehand. Villa also have the option to sign the player permanently for €3.5 million.
Robin Olsen signs six-month deal with Aston Villa
The Swedish goalkeeper signed with the Serie A club after an impressive display in the 2018 World Cup. But, he has failed to cement a starting spot at the Italian capital over the years, and Roma have had to loan him out on two previous occasions, first at Cagliari and then, Everton.
In the Championship, Olsen played 11 games this season and conceded 17 goals, keeping only one clean sheet. This is his third year on loan, and could be the final one since there is an option to make the deal permanent.
Moreover, his Roma contract runs out in 2023, which means that a decision will have to be made this summer to avoid a free transfer a year later.
In all likelihood, Robin Olsen will be serving as a backup option for Steven Gerrard, with Emiliano Martinez still looking like the undisputed starting choice keeper.
