Reports suggest that Manchester United is considering a move for Benfica goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos in the current transfer window. Video footage of the Greek international in action has also emerged.
Odisseas Vlachodimos, a 29-year-old former player of Stuttgart and Panathinaikos, has represented Greece on 33 occasions. Manchester United is reportedly evaluating him as a potential addition to their squad, with the intention of providing competition for current goalkeeper Andre Onana.
This interest has arisen because Manchester United is reportedly searching for a backup goalkeeper in the event that Dean Henderson departs for Crystal Palace or Nottingham Forest before the transfer window closes, according to reports by Fabrizio Romano.
Vlachodimos is rumored to be departing Benfica due to a deteriorating relationship with the Portuguese club.
Allegedly, his strained situation was aggravated by comments made by Benfica manager Roger Schmidt, who criticized Vlachodimos’ performance against Boavista during a press conference. This dispute resulted in Vlachodimos being omitted from the matchday squad for their fixture against Estrela Amadora.
Since reports linking Vlachodimos with a move to Old Trafford emerged, footage of the Greek international in action has surfaced on Twitter, with many having their say on his performance.
One particular video from 2019, when the goalkeeper made a howler from a 35-yard free-kick against Belenenses, has been posted.
Other clips include conceding a penalty after a rash tackle against FC Porto, and being caught out numerous times in their Champions League quarter-final clash defeat to Liverpool.
Despite the largely negative response from fans, however, Vlachodimos is the only man to deny Robert Lewandowski from the penalty spot in Champions League competition.
Man Utd are trying to sign Odysseas Vlachodimos from Benfica? 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/rVN2idoBx4
— CapoTV (@CapoTV_) August 20, 2023
— Migs☔️ (@migzzSLB) August 16, 2023
It appears Vlachodimos is more than ready to move on following a five-year spell at Benfica.
Speaking in an interview with Greek publicationSport24earlier this summer, he said: “It’s something I want now. I established myself, won titles, experienced great successes, played in the Champions League and the Europa League.
“Benfica gave me a lot, it helped to develop me, but I think that the conditions are met to take the next step.”
Fabrizio Romano said on Monday that United are ‘informed on the conditions’ when it comes to a deal to sign the goalkeeper.
“He wasn’t in Benfica squad last week as he’s expected to leave the club by the end of the window,” he added. “Deal with Man Utd could only advance if Dean Henderson leaves the club.”
Thoughts on United’s interest in Vlachodimos? Let us know in the comments.