Aston Villa goalkeeper Oliwier Zych
Aston Villa goalkeeper Oliwier Zych (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Aston Villa have announced that promising goalkeeper Oliwier Zych has signed a new contract with the club.
The 20-year-old was courting interest from a number of clubs, including Arsenal and Brighton after an impressive loan spell in his native Poland with Ekstraklasa side Puszcza Niepolomice last season.
Zych kept seven clean sheets in 26 appearances for the club, who finished 12th in the Polish top-flight. He joined Villa from Zaglebie Lubin in the summer of 2020 having played for Arka Gydnia Youth before making the move to Lubin, where he stayed for two years.
READ | Every word Unai Emery said about Newcastle plan, Rogers challenge and his midfield dilemma
READ | Aston Villa favourite fires stinging Troy Deeney rebuke
An FA Youth Cup winner with Villa in 2021, Zych is highly-rated at Bodymoor Heath. He has started three of the club's four EFL Trophy matches so far this term and was in goal for both penalty shootout victories over League One sides Bolton and Blackpool.
A new English professional record for most penalties taken in a shootout was set when Villa beat the Tangerines 18-17 on spot kicks last week.
Zych had less than a year left on his previous deal before penning fresh terms. He was part of the senior Polish provisional squad ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 last summer.
What do you expect from Zych at Villa? Let us know here
The latest Villa headlines sent straight to your phone
Join our Aston Villa WhatsApp group and get the latest breaking news, interviews and opinion sent straight to your phone, plus matchday team news and live updates of all the action. Just clickon this link and select ‘Join Community’ to get started. The only proviso is that you must have WhatsApp on your phone to participate. It's a free service. No one will be able to see your personal information and you will only receive messages from our Villa writers.
We will not spam your WhatsApp feed with constant messages, but you will receive updates from us daily with the latest Villa news. If you later decide to opt out, just go to the name at the top of your screen and click 'Exit Group'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. Click here to read ourPrivacy Notice