David Ornstein, a journalist for The Athletic reported that an agreement had been made with Adelaide United to sign the goalkeeper. He has completed his medical ahead of a proposed move to Villa Park. He is set to sign a contract until 2028 and it is now at the paperwork stage, which should mean that the deal goes through before Thursday evening’s deadline.
He is to add depth to the goalkeeping area as he battles with Emi Martinez and Robin Olsen for the number one spot. Martinez is the first-choice in most competitions, but Gauci could now push Martinez in to getting a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League starting XI’s.
Gauci is currently away on international duty at the Asia Cup and because he is away in Qatar, the deal will be concluded there. He is a two-time Australia international but is behind Mathew Ryan in the pecking order.
Australia face South Korea in the quarter-finals on Friday, February 2 at 15:30 and so he won’t be available for this weekend’s fixture with Sheffield United. Gauci could be involved in Villa’s next Premier League match against Man United on Sunday, February 11 however.
Gauci has played all of his professional football in Australia, where he has represented Adelaide United, his native club, in the A-League and semi-professional football with West Torrens Birkalla. For his current team, he has made 76 appearances and maintained 17 clean sheets. In a 2-1 loss to Ecuador in March 2023, he made his debut for the Australian national team.
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