Kicker put Odysseas Vlachodimos in almost impossible position when they asked the Benfica goalkeeper about a potential £30 million move to Newcastle United last month.
What was he supposed to do? Publicly confirm Newcastle’s interest, amid reports suggesting Amanda Staveley held talks regarding a potential summer switch to St James’ Park? Cast doubt on his future at the Estadio da Luz on the eve of a colossal Champions League quarter-final clash with Liverpool, arguably Benfica’s biggest game in recent memory.
In the end, Vlachodimos did what you’d expect. He acknowledged his admiration for English football while pointing out that he remains happy and content in the Portuguese capital.
Covering all bases in one bullish response.
“The Premier League is special, with its packed stadiums and incredible atmosphere,” says Vlachodimos, who later that day would restrict Liverpool to just three goals in Lisbon after pulling off a string of fine saves.
“But I’m not thinking about (a move) at the moment. I feel very comfortable at Benfica and in Portugal. My contract also runs for two years.”
Will Arsenal’s Bernd Leno replace Newcastle target Vlachodimos?
When asked about own future, Bernd Leno struck a rather similar tone.
“You can’t rule anything out,” the Germany international told Goal, having been restricted to just four Premier League starts in 2021/22 following the arrival of Aaron Ramsdale at the Emirates Stadium.
“Of course, there are always approaches (from other clubs). My agency and I are keeping an eye on the situation.”
With the rumour mill cranking into life, the fates of Leno and Vlachodimos appear to be intertwined. One goes, another follows.
According to The Mirror (5th December, page 70), nouveau-riche Newcastle are ready to pay up for Benfica’s £30 million-rated shot-stopper. The Eagles refused to let Vlachodimos fly the nest in the winter, their domestic and European commitments ongoing, but it could be a very different story come the summer.
Especially with Benfica posting losses of 17 million euros losses, and with Arsenal willing to let Leno depart for a cut price fee of £9 million. Per Record and CM Jornal, new Eagles boss Roger Schmidt has identified his former Bayer Leverkusen glovesman as the ideal successor for Vlachodimos.
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With one year left on his contract, and with Matt Turner arriving from New England Revolution, Arsenal are unlikely to stand in Leno’s way. Vlachodimos out, Leno in. As we said, intertwined.
So Newcastle get a new number one. Benfica get a replacement, plus £20 million surplus. Arsenal get rid of a high-earning back-up, and Schmidt gets his top target.
Everybody wins. It’s not often we can say that in football.
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