Manchester United have reportedly identified 28-year-old Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos as David de Gea’s perfect heir.
Manchester United have long been in the market for a goalkeeper. And 28-year-old Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos has generated severe interest, according to a report by French outlet Media Foot.
Despite being Manchester United’s saviour for almost a decade, de Gea has seemingly found it difficult to adjust to Erik ten Hag’s new system particularly due to his limited ability with the ball at his feet.
The Manchester manager is considering bringing in someone who is comfortable with their feet, as de Gea;s vulnerability has been exploited pretty badly. The Spaniard has also been not at his best, and with Manchester United conceding six goals against Manchester City, the 31-year-old has now shipped in 14 goals in just seven matches.
Vlachodimos rarely loses possession and keeps the tempo high with his precise passing. He demonstrated a fine piece of shot-stopping skills against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, with his seven saves keeping his team throughout in the 1-1 draw.
His long-ball distribution percentage is also higher than Manchester United’s current number 1. So the Red Devils’ hierarchy might want to have a look at the possibility of a potential deal. Leicester City are also hovering for his signature as the 28-year-old fits their criteria to become Kasper Schmeichel’s perfect replacement.
Current goalkeeper Danny Ward has let the Foxes team down a number of times, and they are ready to invade Benfica for his service. Meanwhile, de Gea’s massive wage bill has created an uproar at Manchester United, and the management is ready to consider a cost-cutting approach. The £375,000-a-week goalkeeper could be the latest victim should that be the case.
De Gea’s current deal is set to expire next summer. But Manchester United do have the option to exercise an extension clause, given the current scenario this ongoing season might be his last in a United shirt. The Red Devils have also looked at FC Porto’s Diogo Costa, who has emerged as one of their targets to replace de Gea.
Vlachodimos, who first emerged on Manchester United’s radar in the summer, could fetch a very minimal fee in comparison to the other high-end keepers. So a deal might be suitable for the Red Devils, who have not been able to produce the goods consistently on the pitch.
