Ex-Benfica player says contact took place over move to Man United in summer

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SL Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos was thought to have been a target for Manchester United in the summer when a goalkeeper was needed.

With David De Gea and Dean Henderson departing the club, the Red Devils needed to address this area with two goalkeepers being eventually brought in.

Andre Onana was brought in from Inter Milan as a replacement for De Gea but the club continued their search for a new goalkeeper as a second-choice option.

Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos was an option but the club instead went for Altay Bayindir from Fenerbahce but the Turkish international has yet to feature for the Red Devils.

Vlachodimos responds to reports

Well, interestingly, the Greek goalkeeper, now playing for Nottingham Forest, gave his version of the summer events and discussed whether the Red Devils ever made their move when he was playing in Portugal for SL Benfica.

“Yes, there was,” the goalkeeper rather bluntly told Greek outlet Gazzetta when asked if there was any contact with officials from Old Trafford.

The 29-year-old Greek said no more on the topic but it does seem like the Red Devils had multiple options because another goalkeeper revealed he had been in contact with Ten Hag, too.

Braga goalkeeper Matheus also claimed that he was approached by Manchester United and even spoke to the Dutchman about a move when he spoke to TNT Sports.

United’s goalkeeping options

With Onana the club’s firm number one choice, you have to feel for Bayindir who is still yet to feature for the Red Devils this season in any competition.

The Turkish goalkeeper was brought in to provide competition for Onana but the 25-year-old has yet to play a single minute of competitive football, he may have to wait a little while longer to realise that possibility.

Seeing as United are on the verge of elimination from the Champions League, starting Bayindir against Bayern Munich in front of the home crowd may well be the ideal opportunity for him.

Despite Bayindir being signed, it seemed United had a plethora of goalkeeping options to choose from.