Odysseas Vlachodimos has reportedly vowed to stay and fight for his future at Newcastle United amid the club’s links with 22-year-old Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.
According to a report by i News, Odysseas Vlachodimos is not ready to throw in the towel yet at Newcastle United. The Magpies are scouring the market for a goalkeeper, with James Trafford their top target. However, the Greek international has vowed to stay at St. James’ Park and fight for his future despite the links with the 22-year-old Burnley goalkeeper.
Odysseas Vlachodimos and his bizarre Premier League career
Odysseas Vlachodimos has struggled to stamp his authority since arriving in the Premier League last year. The experienced shot-stopper nearly joined Manchester United before Nottingham Forest came calling. However, he has barely featured in the Premier League in 2024.
The Greek international became the second-choice goalkeeper at Nottingham Forest after the Tricky Trees signed Matz Sels in the January transfer window. So, Vlachodimos parted ways with Nottingham Forest this past summer, joining Newcastle United in a deal worth £20 million as clubs traded players to avoid sanctions regarding the Profit and Sustainability Rules.
However, the 30-year-old has barely featured for Newcastle United this season, managing only 45 minutes of game time in one EFL Cup outing. Vlachodimos might not have a long-term future at St. James’ Park, with the Tyneside outfit keen on signing James Trafford from Burnley in the 2025 summer transfer window.
What next?
Newcastle United have a bloated goalkeeping department, with Eddie Howe having four recognised senior shot-stoppers in his squad beyond Nick Pope. Odysseas Vlachodimos, Martin Dubravka, Mark Gillespie, and John Ruddy are the other options, and the situation is unsustainable for the Tyneside outfit.
The Magpies must offload multiple goalkeepers in the two transfer windows next year. In addition, Pope is approaching the twilight of his career. So, James Trafford, who Newcastle United pursued in the summer transfer window, has emerged as the top target, with the club viewing a long-term future for him at St. James’ Park.
However, the links with the 22-year-old Englishman have not fazed Vlachodimos, who wants to stay at St. James’ Park and fight for his future at Newcastle United. However, with PSR issues still troubling Newcastle United, it will not be surprising to see them being eager to recoup most of the £20 million they paid to secure his services in the summer transfer window.
