20 August 2023 , 21:43
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New Manchester United target Odysseas Vlachodimos is keen on a move to Old Trafford - but the Red Devils might have to stump up £51million.
Signing Benfica goalkeeper Vlachodimos has emerged as a contingency plan for United should Dean Henderson, 26, leave the club before deadline day. Tipped to rejoin Nottingham Forest following a positive loan spell last season, Crystal Palace have now entered the race for Henderson's signature, potentially sparking a bidding war.
His departure would bring in useful funds for the Red Devils - who are already facing Financial Fair Play issues - but also leave a vacancy in their goalkeeping department, with third-choice shot-stopper Tom Heaton currently out injured and new No.1 Andre Onana without a guaranteed challenger. Ten Hag and co already have a replacement lined up, though: Greece international Vlachodimos.
Reports from Italy state that they're actively exploring a transfer for the 29-year-old, who's confirmed that he's "ready to move on." In an interview with Greek publication Sport24 earlier this summer, Vlachodimos declared: "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."
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Odysseas Vlachodimos was recently demoted from being Benfica's No.1 goalkeeper (Octavio Passos/Getty Images)Despite Benfica manager Roger Schmidt dropping Vlachodimos following his poor performance during their recent 3-2 defeat away to Boavista, the Portuguese giants value him highly - at least in financial terms. In rewarding him with a new deal until 2027 just five months ago, A Bola claim that Benfica savvily inserted a cool €60m (£51m) release clause into Vlachodimos' contract.
Boss Schmidt currently prefers young hotshot Samuel Soares, however, and he picked up a clean sheet on just his second senior appearance in Saturday's 2-0 bounceback victory over Estrela da Amadora. "After Monday [against Boavista], it was clear to me that I wanted new energy in the goalkeeper position," the German coach explained.
"We have three very good goalkeepers, his performance was not top in that game, so I decided to give new energy to the position and also promote competition. Samuel did very well in the pre-season, he was very close to starting and I decided to give him the opportunity to play.
"[Second-choice Anatolii] Trubin was left on the bench, he's a new goalkeeper, he has the potential to play for Benfica as a starter, but he's been here for nine days and has to get used to everything. Samu is a good option and that's why I decided to play him. It was a good decision, and he confirmed that we have three very good goalkeepers."