The old saying goes that you should never fall in love with a loan player. But what’s the rule regarding a £20m permanent signing who has made just one competitive appearance for Newcastle United?
Our 2024 summer transfer window was defined by the sale of Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest and the subsequent purchase of Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos as part of a swap deal designed to make sure we didn’t breach PSR.
Despite his price tag and Champions League experience, Vlachodimos never really stood a chance of becoming our no.1 over either Nick Pope or Martin Dubravka, and he was only sold on loan to Sevilla this summer just gone.
But what once looked like a nightmare transfer could have a happy ending ending for all involved if the first few weeks of the season are any indicator…
Club already keen on permanent deal
According to reports in Spain, Sevilla are already looking to extend Vlachodimos’ time in La Liga following his summer loan switch.
Diario de Sevilla reveal that the former Europa League winners have already been impressed with the Greek international, meaning a permanent transfer is already being looked at.
However, given their recent financial struggles, they will need Newcastle to sell for considerably less than the £20m we paid for the goalkeeper in last June’s PSR deal involving the aforementioned Elliot Anderson.
The report also suggests that Vlachodimos is hoping Newcastle sanction his sale at a reasonable price next summer, with a €5m figure mentioned.
The goalkeeper made it clear over the summer that he only intends to play in Europe, having turned down a loan move to Mexico before making his move to Sevilla.
Vlachodimos’s recent performance against Hansi Flick’s Barcelona earned him rave reviews, as Sevilla pulled off a surprise 4-1 win.
Goalkeeper department uncertain
Selling Vlachodimos does address one situation Newcastle has with their current goalkeepers, but there’s still a lot to be done whilst we search for a long term solution.
Nick Pope has been solid this season, but he does find himself out of contract next summer, and a future on Tyneside doesn’t look likely for Aaron Ramsdale as he’s made just one competitive appearance since joining on loan from Southampton.
A move for James Trafford can never really be ruled out either. Gianluigi Donnarumma has completely snatched any chances Trafford has of starting under Pep Guardiola, and it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see us try and sign him and offer him game time at such a crucial point of both his club and international career.
