Newcastle forgotten man spotted at Sandro Tonali’s wedding – helps explain transfer situation

Sandro Tonali’s recent wedding in Italy captured plenty of attention, not just for the stunning setting by Lake Como, the emotional moments, or even the presence of Italian football legend Gianluigi Buffon, but for a rather unexpected Newcastle United twist.

Amid a star-studded celebration of love between Tonali and Juliette Pastore, one guest in particular turned heads—not for his fame, but for his surprising connection to the groom.

Few would have guessed that Odysseas Vlachodimos, the largely forgotten Newcastle goalkeeper, would be the only current Magpies player seen at Tonali’s ceremony.

Yet, there he was, accompanied by his wife, enjoying the celebrations in style. For fans and followers who have watched Tonali build visible camaraderie with Newcastle’s Brazilian core—Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, and others—this unexpected bond with Vlachodimos flew under the radar.

Tonali has never publicly mentioned a close friendship with the Greek international, but clues have quietly surfaced over the past few months.

Those with a keen eye on social media, particularly Instagram, might have noticed the subtle breadcrumbs leading to this moment.

Earlier in the summer, shortly after representing their respective nations—Italy and Greece—Tonali and Pastore were spotted vacationing in Athens. As Pastore documented the trip, it became clear they were more than just tourists.

One key moment showed the couple attending what appeared to be a christening hosted by Vlachodimos and his family. That event hinted at a deeper connection between the two families, one likely nurtured away from the pitch.

Now, as images of Tonali’s wedding emerge, confirmation has come full circle. Pastore shared a snapshot featuring herself, Tonali, and the Vlachodimos couple, clearly showcasing their presence as guests of honor.

This gesture wasn’t just an invite extended out of politeness—it reflected an off-field relationship that, though rarely public, speaks volumes about the bond they share.

Beyond the wedding itself, this small detail sheds light on the complex situation surrounding Vlachodimos’ future at Newcastle. While fans often forget he’s part of the squad due to his limited involvement on the pitch, his presence within the team setup is more intricate than it appears.

The 30-year-old goalkeeper joined Newcastle in one of the club’s most financially strategic—but complicated—deals in recent memory. Last summer, in an attempt to balance their books under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), Newcastle completed a swap-like agreement with Nottingham Forest.

The transaction saw homegrown midfielder Elliot Anderson valued around £35 million move to Forest, while Vlachodimos arrived in the opposite direction for a fee close to £20 million.

Despite barely featuring, Vlachodimos remains the most expensive goalkeeper the Magpies have ever signed, costing nearly double what they paid for current No.1 Nick Pope.

Yet, he finds himself fourth in the pecking order, behind Pope, Martin Dúbravka, and even young prospect Mark Gillespie in terms of matchday involvement.

From a pure footballing standpoint, many believe the obvious solution would be to offload Vlachodimos, clearing wages and freeing up a squad space.

However, due to amortization and the long-term contract he signed, Newcastle must recoup a minimum of £16 million to avoid registering a financial loss under PSR.

In today’s market, that valuation seems unrealistic, especially for a player who has barely played since arriving at St. James’ Park. This financial complexity has created a stalemate: Newcastle can’t afford to sell him cheaply, and few clubs are lining up to pay over the odds for a fourth-choice keeper.

The likely compromise may be a loan move, which would allow the player to gain minutes elsewhere while keeping his book value intact. Alternatively, Vlachodimos could stay put—again.

It might frustrate fans who expect all transfers to be neat and decisive, but retaining him avoids incurring a financial penalty that could affect future moves.

In the midst of all this, the goalkeeper’s newfound closeness with Tonali could play a subtle but valuable role. Dressing room harmony, trust, and player morale matter immensely in the modern game.

And while Vlachodimos may not play regularly, having an ally off the pitch could help Tonali settle further into life on Tyneside—especially during what’s been a turbulent first year for the Italian star.

Vlachodimos may not feature in the weekly team sheets, and his transfer may have been born out of accounting necessity more than sporting ambition, but his story now has an unexpected twist.

From trade-deal afterthought to wedding guest and personal confidant, he’s quietly embedded himself into the social fabric of the squad. And as Newcastle navigate the tricky balance between PSR compliance and building a competitive team, keeping the Greek keeper around for a bit longer might make more sense than it first appears.