Odysseas Vlachodimis would benefit from a move away from Benfica amid reports that a move to the Premier League could be on the cards with Manchester United, according to the goalkeeper’s former teammate.
Though with Manchester United conducting medical tests ahead of a move for Fenerbahce’s Altay Bayindir, has the Old Trafford ship already set sail as far as Odysseas Vlachodimos is concerned?
Well, not quite yet. Vlachodimos remains in contention for the time being, Bayindir’s recent back injury a potential stumbling block.
What’s more, at a rumoured £8.5 million, the German-born Greek international is available for a similar fee to Fenerbahce’s number one, having fallen out of favour at Benfica following some very public criticism from head coach Roger Schmidt.
Manchester United eye Odysseas Vlachodimos
“I am sad, because I know that he likes Benfica and is now in this situation,” Zeca, who played alongside Vlachodimos at Panathinaikos, tells Radio Renascenca.
“An exit? I don’t think it would be good for him If he stays on the sidelines (at Benfica). He has to go away, for an exit that is good for him. (I want Vlachomidos) to be happy, and for Benfica to find a good deal.”
Vlachodimos was dropped by Schmidt for Benfica’s Primeira Liga clash with Estoril over the weekend. Though the one-time Newcastle United target would not find a starting spot at Old Trafford any easier to nail down, Andre Onana firmly established already as Erik ten Hag’s first-choice.
Zeka, meanwhile, believes the criticism that has come Vlachodimos way has been considerably overblown.
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“As a former team-mate, I think he was often pointlessly criticised,” Zeka adds. “He might think he wasn’t supported by the club. That would have made the player himself tired (of the situation).”
United also like another Benfica man; 19-year-old centre-half Antonio Silva.
That particular pursuit is likely to be placed on the backburner until 2024, however. Especially with Benfica demanding a world-record £85 million fee for Silva.