The latest transfer talk from St James Park as Newcastle United prepare for transfer deadline day.
Newcastle United could receive an unexpected financial boost as Spanish club Sevilla are reportedly keen to push through a permanent deal for Magpies goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.
The Greek international goalkeeper was a somewhat surprise signing when he moved to St James Park from Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest during the summer of 2024. Although he has been an unused substitute in 13 games across all competitions since moving to Tyneside, Vlachodimos has only made one competitive appearance as he came off the bench to play in the second-half of a Carabao Cup win against AFC Wimbledon in October 2024.
His frustration over his lack of game-time saw the experienced stopper linked with a number of clubs during the summer transfer window and it was La Liga club Sevilla that won the race for his signature when they agreed a season-long loan deal with the Magpies.
He told Sevilla’s official club website: "I would like to push Sevilla back to the top so we can play European football again. I believe that Sevilla, with all its history as a powerhouse with seven Europa League titles, has to get back to the top of LaLiga, and I am eager to help and do everything possible to return the club to where it belongs. Look, I watched some of Sevilla’s games last season. I always enjoy watching LaLiga as well.
“I think it’s also a league I’ve always wanted to play in, and I’ve watched many games. I’ve also seen the atmosphere in the stadium, and I can’t wait. I think the craziness I saw on TV was in a good way. Other people have also told me that the fans are incredible. So yes, I want to experience it. I feel very good. I also like the whole team. The pre-season went well. I feel good and, as I said, I want to play. I’m hungry to play and I can’t wait, really.”
Vlachodimos has become a regular starter for the La Liga club after starting 17 out of a possible 19 league games so far this season and he was also in the starting eleven for a narrow Copa del Rey defeat against Alaves in December. The former Benfica stopper has impressed throughout his time at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium despite his side sitting just three points clear of the relegation zone in Spanish football’s top tier - and there are now reports he is ready to ‘do his part’ to force a permanent move to the seven-time Europa League winners.
A report from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has claimed Sevilla’s director of football Antonio Cordon has ensured ‘conversations have already taken place’ over a possible permanent deal for the Greek star - but there is also a feeling that Newcastle will look to try and sell the keeper to the highest bidder. Sevilla are described as ‘pampering’ Vlachodimos in a bid to persuade him to become a permanent member of their squad - although there are said to be several other suitors for his signature.
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