Odysseas Vlachodimos has only played 45 minutes of football since joining Newcastle United in the summer.
The 30-year-old goalkeeper made his move to Tyneside in the summer as part of Newcastle’s attempts to wrestle with the Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Eddie Howe was forced to sell Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest for £35m to help Newcastle steer clear of a potential points deduction.
As part of that deal, Odysseas Vlachodimos signed for Newcastle for £20m, leaving Newcastle with only a £15m net profit.
Vlachodimos was warned his Newcastle move was a mistake and now a few months into the season he has only played 45 minutes in the Carabao Cup as he competes with four other goalkeepers on the books at St James’ Park.
Odysseas Vlachodimos wants to stay and fight at Newcastle
Eddie Howe insists that Vlachodimos is still in his plans at Newcastle, but it feels like he didn’t have much say in the matter.
Vlachodimos was offered the chance to go on loan in the summer – an opportunity he turned down. He has now reiterated his desire to stay and fight for a spot in Howe’s side.
In an exclusive interview with i News, Odysseas Vlachodimos said that a potential loan move away in January was “not in his thinking” as he wants to stay and compete for a starting spot.
Nick Pope has been undroppable for Howe this season and Vlachodimos is still having to compete with the likes of Martin Dubravka for a starting spot in cup competitions.
More opportunities could be available beyond Christmas when the schedule ramps up, but it is difficult to see a pathway to becoming a starter.
What Newcastle insiders have said about Odysseas Vlachodimos
Despite his lack of minutes this season, the noises coming out of St James’ Park around Vlachodimos are positive.
In the same report as above, it is claimed Newcastle insiders have been “impressed by his professionalism and attitude”.
Vlachodimos’ work ethic has reportedly been a great example to others pushing for a starting spot in Howe’s side.
Vlachodimos is clearly determined to make a name for himself at Newcastle, but he may have to wait until the start of the FA Cup run before his next chance between the sticks.
However, Newcastle fans may get a glimpse of Vlachodimos in action on Thursday evening when Greece face England in the Nations League.
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