Newcastle Target Odysseas Vlachodimos Will Only Be Sold Via €60m Release Clause

Newcastle United have shortlisted Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos as a long-term successor for Martin Dúbravka - but it appears the Magpies have already been priced out of a move for the Greece international.


Vlachodimos was highly rated throughout his youth career at his hometown side Stuttgart, but he was never able to break into the first team on a consistent basis and eventually found his way to Benfica after a two-year spell with Greek giants Panathinaikos.


Since moving to Lisbon, Vlachodimos has emerged as one of the most exciting goalkeepers who are playing outside Europe's major leagues, something which Greek outlet Sport24 claims has attracted the interest of Newcastle United.


Steve Bruce's side apparently value Vlachodimos at €20m, but developments in the Portuguese media claim Newcastle are wasting their time by trying to negotiate a fee with Benfica due to the goalkeeper's new contract.


A Bola reports Benfica, who helped develop Jan Oblak and Ederson earlier in their careers, are not under any financial pressure to sell their best players this summer - João Félix only left to join Atlético Madrid in a €126m deal last year.


Benfica's stance over Vlachodimos' future doesn't make good viewing for Newcastle either, they believe the Greece international is strictly not for sale and will only be available if clubs match the 26-year-old's €60m release clause at the Estádio da Luz.


So while Newcastle United might be on the hunt for a new first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the new season, Vlachodimos' release clause - which, if met, would make him one of the 50 most expensive players of all time - will likely make Sport24's initial rumour a complete non-starter.


With the prospect of Newcastle United's takeover still looming, the Magpies have become the latest club to be linked with a move for Real Madrid's wantaway midfielder James Rodriguez.



Source : 90min