- Aston Villa loanee Oliwier Zych is expected to go out on loan again next season
- He is currently at Polish side Raków Częstochowa
- Several Championship and Bundesliga clubs are interested
Aston Villa have outlined a plan for exciting talent Oliwier Zych to depart on loan again next season, but this time to a stronger league.
The 21-year-old has established himself as the No 1 for Raków Częstochowa, after initially struggling for game time earlier in the season. He recently became a hero in the Polish Cup, having saved two crucial penalties in a shootout with GKS Katowice, to take his side to the final.
This season, he has made 28 appearances across all competitions, conceding 32 goals and keeping nine clean sheets.
Raków are entering a decisive end to the campaign, with Zych needing to play a crucial role. Łukasz Tomczyk’s side has the possibility of a league double. First, have the final of the Polish Cup taking place this Sunday, followed by their final four league game. They currently sit in fourth in the Ekstraklasa, six points off the top.
In an interview with Kanal Sportowy, Zych revealed that Villa has a specific plan for him. This involves another loan, but this time to a stronger league, and then the following season, he will compete for the No 1 jersey at the club.
According to Polish outlet Goal PL, England and Germany are “the two most active destinations” for the goalkeeper. Several clubs from the Championship and clubs from both the Bundesliga and its second tier are showing interest.
Journey at Villa
Zych spent his early years with Arka Gdynia and Zaglebie Lubin, before leaving Poland at the age of 16.
He then joined Villa’s academy in September 2020 and began to progress through the ranks. Initially, he started in the U-18s where he made 22 appearances and was part of the side that won the FA Youth Cup in 2021.
A move to the U-21s then followed, where he featured 28 times, before departing on loan to Puszcza Niepolomice, who play in the second tier of Polish football. Once he returned, he played a further six times for the U-21s before joining Raków last summer.
He has received nine caps for Poland U-19s, and has been part of their U-21 squad since November last year.
Villa rates Zych very highly, and with his current contract expiring next year, they will probably look to extend his terms before he goes out on loan again.
There is no doubt, however, Unai Emery will give him an opportunity in pre-season to see what he is capable of.
As the end of the season draws near, he will be focusing on ending the season strongly in Poland, hoping to continue his strong performances, before thinking about his future.
