English Premier League transfers: Adelaide United goalkeeper Joe Gauci linked with Aston Villa

Adelaide United goalkeeper Joe Gauci has been linked with a move to a Premier League contender in the latest blockbuster transfer involving a Socceroos star.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 28: Socceroos goalkeeper Joe Gauci looks to pass the ball under pressure from Kevin Rodriguez of Ecuador during the International Friendly match between the Australia Socceroos and Ecuador at AAMI Park on March 28, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Another Australian is set to make the move to the Premier League, with Adelaide United goalkeeper Joe Gauci reportedly on the verge of joining Aston Villa.

That is according to Sky Sports News’ Anthony Joseph, who reported on Wednesday that Villa is “closing in on signing” Gauci, who is currently at the Asian Cup with the Socceroos.

Gauci will be a depth option at Villa given the club’s first-choice gloveman Emiliano Martinez, a World Cup winner with Argentina, was voted the world’s best at the position at the Ballon d’Or Ceremony late last year.

Aston Villa are closing in on signing Adelaide United goalkeeper Joe Gauci 🧤

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 30, 2024

The 23-year-old, who first signed with United ahead of the 2020-21 season after a stint with Melbourne City, had extended in April with Adelaide until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Gauci’s impressive start to the latest A-League season saw him rewarded with a call-up to the Socceroos squad for the Asian Cup.

Joe Gauci climbs high to save. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Speaking to Adelaide United media after receiving the news, Gauci said it was a “proud moment” in his career.

“I think it’s the biggest competition outside the World Cup that Australia can play in, so a real proud moment now to be involved and looking to create some more memories this time around,” Gauci said.

“I just found out [was in the squad] through a message this morning [Friday].

“It’s something that I’ve been aiming towards.

“Coming towards the end of the year, I reflect on the year, and I think at the start of the year, I wouldn’t have thought I’d be in the position that I am now, so I’m very grateful.

“For me, it was to come back to Adelaide (after the November window) and just knuckle down and focus on my performances and hopefully do well enough to get the call-up, which I’ve been able to do.”

Originally published as English Premier League transfers: Adelaide United goalkeeper Joe Gauci linked with Aston Villa