adminNewcastle United are preparing to let one of their first team players leave the club this summer.
The club signed the Greek international from Benfica in a deal worth around £20m two years ago, mainly as part of financial adjustments to comply with Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
At the time, the move helped Newcastle avoid possible sanctions, as they balanced their books after player sales, including Elliot Anderson’s departure.
However, Vlachodimos has struggled to settle at the club. He made only one appearance in his first season, in a Carabao Cup match against AFC Wimbledon.
He was later sent on loan to Sevilla FC in Spain, where he played regularly and featured in 33 matches last season. Newcastle received a loan fee of around £4.3m, but Sevilla have not yet made the move permanent despite having an option to buy.
Now, Newcastle have decided to accept offers for the 32-year-old goalkeeper. He is not expected to be part of Eddie Howe’s long-term plans, even though he still has a couple of years left on his contract.
The club is also planning changes in the goalkeeping department. Several keepers have already left this summer, including loan exits and departures of squad players. Newcastle are now expected to bring in a new senior goalkeeper, with Manchester City’s James Trafford among their targets.
Vlachodimos could still return briefly for pre-season training, but the expectation is that he will be sold at a reduced price as Newcastle continue reshaping the squad under Eddie Howe and guidance from their ownership group, the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Abdulhafiz Teslim
admin
