Celtic’s goalkeeping situation has been one of the quieter storylines during the managerial uncertainty, but Viljami Sinisalo has now offered a clear hint about what comes next for him.
With the club still between permanent managers and the pecking order far from settled, the young Finn knows he’s at a crossroads.
Sinisalo has been honest about how Brendan Rodgers’ departure caught the dressing room off guard. As a developing keeper, the change leaves him in a tough spot. Experience usually gets the nod during turbulent spells, and that has pushed him further from the minutes he needs.
Now on international duty, Sinisalo has opened up about the possibility of leaving on loan. His message is simple enough: he needs to play. With Celtic still waiting to appoint a new boss and no guarantees about who will be first choice, the door to a January move is definitely open.
This comes at a time when Celtic’s entire structure is shifting. Players like Sinisalo are stuck waiting for clarity, and without that, he has to think about what’s best for his development. His latest comments underline just how strong that feeling is.
He said: (Kymppipaikka), “Of course, every footballer wants to play. That’s what I want to do too.
“We have to see what happens.
“As I said, playing is really important. It’s hard to say more at this point, but you can never say no to anything.
“The only thing I want to do in football is play. I always miss that. It is the biggest thing we all want to do. Nobody wants to just watch from the stands. The hunger is strong, and the desire to perform is even stronger.
“Let’s see if the opportunity arises.”
Sinisalo couldn’t be clearer. He needs games, and if Celtic can’t give him that soon, he’ll look elsewhere. That’s just the reality for a young keeper trying to build a career while the club is still in the middle of big changes.
The big call now sits with the next manager. Do they see him as someone who can push for the No.1 spot, or is he better off getting a full season of football somewhere else? Until that’s answered, Sinisalo has to be ready for any outcome.
Celtic also have their own decisions to make. They need cover, but they also need to make sure his development doesn’t stall. With so much still up in the air behind the scenes, it’s not a simple choice.
For now, he’s leaving the door open. If the right loan appears and Celtic give the green light, he looks more than willing to take it.
Keep Reading
2 responses
Sinisalo should be playing as first choice. He has already shown how good he is and how he commands the back line and his defensive record is excellent. He needs to play now so that he is ready for a new manager coming in, whenever that is. It is a disgrace how Rodgers has treated him and several other outfield players, who are now picking up injuries because of a lack of playing time. I am surprised that Martin has not already brought him in, but he should do so now to embed him in. He is the future, NOT Schmeichel!
I agree. Schmeichel is great at reflex saves but questionable when it comes to ball distribution and commanding the area at corners and free kicks. He’s not the tallest either and he’s knocking on in years – getting a little bit tubby!
Sinisalo, from what I’ve seen of him, looks leaner, taller and more athletic. He’s the guy who should now step up as No1.