‘Excellent’, ‘Fantastic’ – some fans are delighted with Aston Villa’s latest signing

Aston Villa confirmed the signing of Lovre Kalinic on Friday afternoon and some supporters have shown their delight on social media. With Dean Smith not trusting Orjan Nyland due to the goalkeeper’s inconsistency this season, Kalinic has been brought in to challenge for the No.1 jersey.

Nyland has conceded 30 goals in 20 Championship games, keeping only five clean sheets since joining over the summer from FC Ingolstadt. The 28-year-old could find himself replaced in goal for the second-half of the season if Kalinic makes an instant impression upon his arrival.

Hello, a #kaagent supporter here. Lovre is a great shot stopper, excellent on high balls, a presence in the box. A fine guy, mentally strong, an excellent buy. We will miss him but wish him all the luck. His dream is the #epl. He’ll help you to get there. All the best!

— Vak 228 (@Vak228) December 21, 2018

Guys is a significant upgrade. Fantastic signing

— Professor Plummle (@beardpwr81) December 21, 2018

Great signing, really pleased with this. Even in the Championship we can attract an international goalkeeper from the World Cup semi finalists. But I asked Santa ???? to keep @tammyabraham for the rest of the season, at least. #utv pic.twitter.com/wr7vJ7Eblo

— Jonathan Parker (@Cagliari_Villa) December 21, 2018

I Lovre this club right now ????

— Christian ???????? (@christian_avfc) December 21, 2018

Big fan of this fella

— Paul Smith (@villapaul96) December 21, 2018

What an upgrade

— B (@brenlw88) December 21, 2018

Quality signing utv

— davidsmith (@DavidsmithMrbre) December 21, 2018

Kalinic won’t officially be available to Villa until the January transfer window opens, so he won’t feature in any of their upcoming games against Leeds United (December 23) at home, Swansea City (December 26) away and Preston North End (December 29) away.

Smith might not throw him in straightaway in the league but could instead use the FA Cup third round as a chance to hand the 28-year-old his debut. Villa face Swansea City on January 5, 2019. They now have four goalkeepers in the first-team – Kalinic, Nyland, Mark Bunn and Andre Moreira. A departure for one of the quartet could be on the cards in January.