According to European sources, Manchester United are increasing their interest in Benfica’s Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Many have questioned David de Gea’s overall ability to keep up with the demands of a modern Premier League goalkeeper as well as his suitability to Erik ten Hag’s system.
And with his contract expiring at the end of the season, United have been linked with interest in purchasing a new number 1.
Indeed, Martin Dúbravka was acquired last summer. At first, he was seemingly brought in as a contender to de Gea’s throne given his accomplished status at Newcastle United, however, the move has not yet proved profitable.
Dean Henderson voiced concern over his chances with De Gea still at the club. He was Nottingham Forest’s most recent Player of the Match and completes his loan there at the end of this season.
Although De Gea has appeared to improve his technical play, United have been strongly linked with a new goalkeeper.
Odysseas Vlachodimos has emerged as a prime target for Ten Hag. The German-born Greek international is enjoying an already-fruitful campaign with Benfica in what is his fifth year with the club, specifically impressing in the Champions League both during last season and indeed this current one.
Greek media outlet Sportime noted that, ‘According to information, Manchester United are not only continuing, but in fact intensifying their scouting for [Vlachodimos].’
The same reporters had revealed last week that this season will be the goalkeeper’s last in Portugal. He was very close to a move to either Leicester City or Ajax last summer.
The 28-year-old is thus at the point where elevating his career to another level is at the forefront of the agenda. As such, it would be worth exercising caution over potential media manipulation by the player’s agency – a scam in which United becomes often embroiled.
De Gea’s contract is set to expire, Tom Heaton has all-but departed, and Dúbravka is a mystery.
Given Vlachodimos’s unpredictable future in combination with his stellar European performances against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, could the Greek no.1 become a potentially more-than-viable option to install himself between the sticks at Old Trafford?
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