Former Sheffield United goalkeeper Robin Olsen makes Aston Villa switch permanent

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of former Sheffield United goalkeeper Robin Olsen from Roma. The Swedish international had a bizarre 2021-22 campaign, arriving at Bramall Lane on deal day last summer after being made surplus to requirements by Jose Mourinho.

A difficult start to the season saw Slaviša Jokanović lose his job in mid-November prior to Olsen enduring a stint on the sidelines through injury. The goalkeeper, too, was culpable with several poor performances, forcing new manager Paul Heckingbottom to instil Wes Foderingham as number one - a position he held for the remainder of the campaign.

Frustration at watching from afar saw Olsen embroiled in a transfer saga as his loan was cut short by Roma so he could join Steven Gerrard’s side. However, not much changed at Villa Park, with the 32-year-old playing just once - the dramatic 3-2 defeat to Manchester City on the final day.

Despite serving as understudy to first-choice Emiliano Martinez, Olsen has still pledged his future to Aston Villa. The deal was confirmed on the club website and, although officially stated as undisclosed, is believed to be worth around £3million.

Villa have been the busiest Premier League outfit in the transfer market so far after the arrival of Phillipe Coutinho, Diego Carlos, Boubacar Kamara and now Olsen.

A statement read: "Aston Villa is pleased to announce the signing of Robin Olsen for an undisclosed fee. The Swedish goalkeeper joins from AS Roma on a permanent deal having spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa Park.

"The experienced international, capped over 50 times by his country, has represented clubs in Sweden, Greece, Denmark and in Italy across his career and has previously played Premier League