Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos turned down a move to Sheffield United this summer as he only wants to leave the Estadio da Luz for a European giant, according to Sportime.
While Chris Wilder’s Blades confounded the critics by securing a top-half finish in their first Premier League season since 2006/07, it seems that they still could not convince a Greece international to sign a contract in the Steel City.
German-born Vlachodimos received an approach from Sheffield United earlier in the transfer window.
According to reports in his native Greece, the 26-year-old will only depart Benfica when one of the biggest clubs on the continent comes calling.
He has also rejected an ambitious Hertha Berlin side who have spent huge sums on Krzysztof Piatek, Matheus Cunha and Lucas Tousart since being bought out by American investors.
Vlachodimos joined Benfica in 2018 after spells at Panathinaikos and Stuttgart, making 45 appearances in all competitions last season as the Lisbon giants lost their title to Porto after a dramatic collapse in the final weeks of the season.
With Jan Vertonghen, Luca Waldschmidt and Brazil international Everton Soares joining since the 2019/20 ended, however, Benfica are backing returning coach Jorge Jesus with a huge transfer war chest as they look to reclaim their throne.
Sheffield United, meanwhile, won’t be losing much sleep about Vlachodimos’s rejection.
In Aaron Ramsdale and Wes Foderingham, the Blades have already snapped up two talented shot-stoppers, even if the departure of Dean Henderson will be felt at Bramall Lane.
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