Celtic sign keeper Sinisalo, Leicester snap up Fatawu

Celtic have completed their first summer signing after Finland international goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo joined on a five-year contract from Aston Villa.

The 22-year-old came through the Premier League club’s academy and spent last season on loan at Exeter, where he was named player of the year for the Sky Bet League One side after making 50 first-team appearances across all competitions.

Sinisalo, who previously spent time with Ayr in 2020-21 and featured in a friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park ahead of Euro 2024, flew out with the Scottish champions on Tuesday for their pre-season trip to America.

Sinisalo is is set to provide competition and cover for 37-year-old Kasper Schmeichel, who is expected to arrive in Glasgow later this week as the Hoops look to replace the retired Joe Hart.

Midfielder Matt O’Riley joined his team-mates as they prepared to jet off for friendlies against DC United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

The Denmark international has been the subject of fresh speculation this week amid reported interest from Juventus and Atalanta among others.

Another midfielder, Paulo Bernardo, is expected to link up with Celtic in the United States with the club reported to have agreed a £3.5million fee with Benfica following his loan spell last season.

Elsewhere Southampton have completed the permanent signing of midfielder Flynn Downes from West Ham United on a four-year contract, for a fee believed to be in the region of £18 million.

The 25-year-old spent last season on loan at St Mary’s, playing a pivotal role in the team’s promotion via the Championship play-offs.

He made 37 appearances, scored twice and provided three assists in all competitions.

Leicester have signed Abdul Fatawu on a five-year deal after the Ghana international impressed on loan last season.

The 20-year-old helped the Foxes earn promotion to the Premier League last term, scoring seven goals in 43 appearances while on loan from Sporting Lisbon, and Leicester have triggered an option to make the deal permanent.

Fatawu has 19 caps for his country and played at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Burnley have announced the signing of Brazilian defender Lucas Pires on a four-year deal.

The 23-year-old arrives at Turf Moor from Santos for an undisclosed fee to become Burnley’s third signing of the summer.

Pires has played over 70 games for Santos and spent last season on loan at Spanish side Cadiz, where he featured 28 times in La Liga.