IF Elfsborg and Iceland goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson admits he is flattered by interest from Aston Villa while labelling Unai Emery’s side ‘a top club in the Premier League’.
Amid reports suggesting that Aston Villa have submitted a bid to bring one of the most talented shot-stoppers in Scandinavia to England, Hakon Valdimarsson must have known what the line of questioning would be as he squared up to a flock of journalists on Friday.
And Valdimarsson, speaking after Elfsborg held an open training session, could hardly have been more complimentary about his rumoured Midland-based suitors.
Aston Villa want Elfsborg goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson
“It is big. They are a top club in the Premier League and they are playing really well. It is huge to see that they are interested. It shows that I have done well,” he tells Aftonbladet.
“That could be (a good move for me). It’s top players, it’s the highest quality of everything. Training with some of the world’s best players is good for your development.”
Valdimarsson, Fabrizio Romano reports, is the subject of a ‘formal offer’ from Aston Villa. There is also interest from Danish giants Copenhagen, and the Iceland international is not ruling out a move from Sweden to Denmark. Especially considering that Kamil Grabara’s impending switch from Copenhagen to Wolfsburg will open up a chance for Valdimarsson to establish himself as the club’s number one.
Villa could face Celtic battle
“FCK is a big club. They have played in the Champions League two years in a row and are probably Scandinavia’s biggest team. It is not as big as the Premier League, but it could also be a good step,” Valdimarsson adds.
“The goal is always to be able to play, if I move. Right now, I’m in Elfsborg and don’t know what will happen.
“I have a contract with Elfsborg for another three years, so probably (I will stay put for now). We’ll see. I enjoy myself very much here. We will qualify for Europe this summer and challenge for the Allsvenskan title.”
Valdimarsson could reportedly be available for as little as £2 million. There is also interest from Celtic, with Joe Hart due to become a free-agent in the summer. Should he move to Villa Park instead, Valdimarsson – who performed impressively up against Cristiano Ronaldo and co during a recent Euro 2024 qualifier – would likely take Robin Olsen’s place as back-up to Emiliano Martinez.
HITC understands Aston Villa are also closing in on an £8 million deal for Red Star Belgrade right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic and want Middlesbrough forward Morgan Rogers too.
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