F.C. Copenhagen and AS Roma have reached an agreement on the transfer of Robin Olsen, which can be one of the biggest transfers in FCK’s history.
With the world record sale for a goalkeeper done when Liverpool agreed terms with AS Roma for Alisson Becker for an eye watering €75 million (£66.8m). The 25 year old Brazilian World Cup keeper has beaten the 17 year old record of Gianluigi Buffon of €36.6 million (£32.6m) paid by Juventus to Parma for the then 23 year old.
AS Roma have swiftly followed up with a replacement for Alisson in the shape of Swedish World Cup keeper, Robin Olsen from FC Copenhagen for a fee reported to be around €12 million (£10.6m) including add-ons. The 28 year old 6ft 6in shot stopper has big boots to fill and it may be a concern to the AS Roma owner, James Pallotta and fans alike if the ghost of Alisson may be too much to overcome.
But who is Robin Olsen? Born to Danish parents in 1990 but grew up in Sweden where he played for former 1979 European Cup finalists, Malmö from 2012 to 2015, helping them qualify for the Champions League Group stages in the 2014-15 season. That season he was also awarded the Swedish League ( Allsvenskan ) goalkeeper of the year award.
Eventually finding his way to Denmark’s FC Copenhagen in January 2016 in an initial six month loan agreement via Greek club PAOK whom he’d joined having left Malmö. The loan agreement became permanent later that year with FC Copenhagen paying a fee of €600,000. Having been linked ironically with Liverpool last month by certain parts of the English media the player is now in the AS Roma colours. Having signed a five year contract with the club.
The 28-year-old told the club’s official website: “I’m feeling happy, I’m very excited. It’s a big honour to come to AS Roma. It’s the next step for me and I cannot wait to get started.” Also speaking on the club’s official website, sporting director, Monchi said: “Robin is a goalkeeper with international experience, and I think he can bring that level to Roma with him. “I am confident he can build on the quality that has seen him firmly establish himself as Sweden’s No. 1.”
by Robin MacNamara (@The AnfieldTalk, @FOARsite)