Newcastle shouldn’t meet Benfica’s demands for star goalkeeper
Newcastle United are rumored to be interested in Benfica’s Odysseas Vlachodimos.
With the current roster at Newcastle United, the position that seems to be least needing an upgrade is goalkeeper. Martin Dubravka has been a star since arriving at the club and statistically is a top goalkeeper in the Premier League. But, the new regime at Newcastle may still be looking to upgrade between the sticks.
According to A Bola, Newcastle United are interested in a move for Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos. The 26-year-old has 14 clean sheets in 24 league matches this season. That follows up on 15 shutouts in the Portuguese league during the 2018-19 season. He’s also featured for Benfica in the Europa League and Champions League.
A Greek international, Vlachodimos has played six times for his country and registered two clean sheets during EURO qualifying.
Vlachodimos is definitely a world-class goalkeeper and he’s just entering his prime. But, Benfica reportedly won’t sell him unless his £53m release clause is triggered. That is comfortably above his current value, but it’s not surprising that Benfica would be unwilling to move such a promising player.
That price is far too steep for a position that doesn’t require major improvement. Just because there will be a major influx of funds, that doesn’t mean you need to overspend on positions that aren’t in dire need of new talent. Goalkeeper is even lower on the wishlist than central defense, where Newcastle has been linked with a big-money move for Kalidou Koulibaly.
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The Magpies should definitely pass on this expensive summer move. Newcastle United should keep Martin Dubravka as the starting goalkeeper and improve the team surrounding him.