Sky Sports: Man United reach “verbal agreement” with international player after “official offer”
Odysseas Vlachodimos is a Greek professional footballer who is currently playing for Benfica but has now verbally agreed terms to join Manchester United.
The €15m goalkeeper has reportedly agreed to join the Red Devils but with Altay Bayindir in the equation, no final decision has been made.
Vlachodimos – A good backup for Manchester United
Odysseas Vlachodimos is a Greek goalkeeper who has proved his talent in Europe. He has been playing at Benfica and The Greek National team for a long time.
The custodian has made a total of 225 appearances out of which he has managed 94 clean sheets across all competitions.
With so much experience, Vlachodimos is considered as one of the best goalkeepers available in this transfer window for the price tag offered.
The Greek international has appeared 33 times to represent his motherland and has performed incredibly between the sticks for Benfica which helped them to win the Primeira Liga title. He had a 75% save percentage in the last season for the club.
Vlachodimos is also considered to challenge current Manchester United No. 1 Onana which can turn out to be good competition for the Red Devils although he will still remain United’s 2nd choice.
“Therefore, you need a very good defensive organisation, [it’s] quite clear. But also the capabilities of a keeper is [about] keeping the goal clean. So this is the first criterion of a good goalkeeper.
But, nowadays, football also demands good playing from the back, out-playing qualities, and that is a quality Andre has. You need both and you need to cover both areas. So yeah, we’re happy, of course.
I think with his physical presence and also with his personality, he is so keen on winning. He’s so, so eager to win trophies and he will help the team and he will help the squad to get to higher levels.”
Ten Hag said to the club website
Erik Ten Hag is looking for finishing touches to end the transfer window.
Bayindir or Vlachodimos?
Manchester United have shown their key interest in both Bayindir and Vlachodimos as backups for Onana.
Bayindir, who is currently under contract with Turkish club Fenerbahce, has been reported to have complete his medical for joining Manchester United.
But rumors suggest that the Red Devils are in a verbal agreement with Benfica goalkeeper Vlachodimos.
With Bayindir valued less than Vlachodimos, it is clear that the transfer of both goalkeepers seems cloudy. The 6′ 3” goalkeeper is more experienced than Bayindir and looks like the better option.
Meanwhile, the current backup goalkeeper, Dean Henderson is rumored to join Crystal Palace and bringing in some funds for Man Utd.
Tom Heaton is injured and if Vlachodimos signs for the club, Tom Heaton’s playing chances also get reduced.
Bringing in Bayindir looks good financially but his lack of experience and always prone to injure health makes it disadvantageous too.
Lots and lots of investment
Manchester United have gambled a huge amount of money on bringing players in this season.
Mason Mount, André Onana, and Rasmus Højlund are the few names who are expected to make a huge impact for the Red Devils.
Planning to bring in Todibo, Amrabat, Vlachodimos, or Bayindir, Manchester are looking forward to making a whole new team from last season.
However, the issue of insufficient funds is hindering this process. With Amrabat’s transfer getting delayed due to lack of money, this shows Manchester United have not really sold this season.
Players like Maguire and Donny Van de Beek don’t have any suitors for them which makes them a burden for the club.
Players who got sold like Brandon Williams, Fred, Telles, Sabitzer, and many have not brought in sufficient money for the club.
Manchester United in total have invested €243m on incoming players which is much less than the income from outgoing players.
