There have been some new faces at Darsley Park, as Newcastle United’s pre-season preparations begin.
Eddie Howe’s players are now in training for the new Premier League season, which kicks off on August 17th at home to Southampton. Starting the campaign at St James’ Park is great, and it should give the Magpies a good chance to start the season strongly.
Before that, Howe needs to get his pre-season preparations right.
Newcastle’s pre-season begins
While some of his squad are still on international duty or receiving an extended break, a lot of the Newcastle United players have reported for duty this week.
Joelinton was videoed returning to the Newcastle training ground where he embraced Joe Willock, who is back after injury.
Harvey Barnes is also back, as he gets ready for his second season at St James’ Park. There could be a big change for him too, as it looks like Barnes is going to be Newcastle’s new number 11.
And there are also some new faces, with all three of Newcastle’s summer signings meeting up with their new teammates.
Odysseas Vlachodimos gets to work at Newcastle United
Lloyd Kelly, John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachodimos have been at the training ground this week, and the latter has delivered a message to Toon fans following his arrival on Tyneside.
The 30-year-old goalkeeper took to his official Instagram account to share an image of him and his family at Darsley Park.
Alongside the photo, Vlachodimos wrote: “The start.”
He received plenty of replies, one of which was from former Nottingham Forest teammate Anthony Elanga.
The £15million winger was actually linked with moving to St James’ Park himself earlier this summer, and it has been reported that Newcastle could reignite their interest in Elanga.
He commented: “All the best brother.”
Vlachodimos also shared the same image on his official X (formally known as Twitter) account, and received a one-word message from Newcastle United co-owner Jamie Reuben.
It is his first post on X since news emerged that Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi would be leaving the club.
Reuben wrote: “Welcome.”
Vlachodimos will look to challenge Nick Pope
Vlachodimos’ arrival at St James’ Park came completely out of the blue. He had not been rumoured as a target, with Newcastle looking to sign James Trafford from Burnley.
But the deal came about amid Elliot Anderson’s move to City Ground, and now Vlachodimos will be Newcastle’s second choice goalkeeper.
He will look to push Nick Pope, who appears set to continue as Newcastle United’s number one for the 2024/25 season.
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