Newcastle United struggled to sign players this summer, while they were not much better at moving players on.
There were plenty of Newcastle United players linked with moves away from St James’ Park during the summer transfer window, but there were not many major exits beyond the PSR debacle on June 30th.
Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh were sold, but their transfers were enforced to ensure Newcastle avoided a points deduction.
However, there was talk of Callum Wilson, Miguel Almiron and Kieran Trippier all leaving. Now the transfer window is closed, and all three are still on Tyneside.
Odysseas Vlachodimos joined Newcastle for £20m
And the same goes for Odysseas Vlachodimos, who joined Newcastle United in the summer and almost left during the same window.
The Magpies paid Nottingham Forest £20million for the Greek goalkeeper, with that deal seen as vital to allow Nuno Espirito Santo’s side to sign Elliot Anderson for £35million. That transfer was done to ensure Newcastle complied with PSR, but a player had to move in the opposite way for Forest to still comply.
That resulted in Vlachodimos joining the club, and becoming Newcastle’s most expensive goalkeeper ever. Following his arrival, the line was that Vlachodimos would challenge Nick Pope for a place in the Newcastle XI.
However, the season has started with the 30-year-old not featuring in any of the Magpies’ opening four games.
Why Odysseas Vlachodimos did not leave Newcastle
Despite only joining in the summer, it was reported during the summer that Vlachodimos would be allowed to leave Newcastle on loan.
A temporary exit appeared to be on the horizon, with the Magpies needing to move at least one senior goalkeeper on out of the five they had.
However, Newcastle still have five senior goalkeepers, with Vlachodimos remaining on Tyneside.
According to the Athletic, Vlachodimos actually turned down the chance to leave Newcastle United on loan.
They report that the Greece international was told he probably would not play for the Magpies and that a move away was for the best.
However, the Athletic add that Vlachodimos decided to stay put due to his family being settled in the North East and a lack of alternative clubs to join.
Vlachodimos stance cost Newcastle a deadline day deal
Had Vlachodimos left Newcastle United, another goalkeeper may have arrived.
Newcastle wanted to sign James Trafford on transfer deadline day, but that deal was dependent on someone leaving.
Ultimately, there was no chance of Trafford heading to Tyneside once it transpired that Vlachodimos would be staying put.
The situation involving the former Benfica stopper is so odd, and it is not benefitting anyone. Newcastle United have signed a goalkeeper they did not really want for big money, while Vlachodimos is not getting the chance to play.
It is a real mess, and epitomises what a disaster the PSR window was for Newcastle United.
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