Newcastle’s surprise double deal – Why did Eddie Howe sign Vlachodimos and Ruddy?
With the PSR deadline now behind them, Newcastle United is poised to ramp up their summer transfer activity. The club has already made significant strides in bolstering key positions, particularly their goalkeeping department.
Key Goalkeeping Additions: Odysseas Vlachodimos and John RuddyIn recent days, Newcastle United confirmed the signing of Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest.
This deal was finalized during discussions regarding Elliot Anderson’s departure. Following closely was the announcement that John Ruddy had joined the club on a free transfer after his contract with Birmingham City expired.
Eddie Howe now oversees a robust goalkeeping lineup with five players boasting senior experience. Nick Pope remains the first-choice goalkeeper, with Vlachodimos expected to serve as his primary backup. John Ruddy brings valuable experience as the third-choice goalkeeper.
Mark Gillespie provides emergency backup, ensuring Howe has four goalkeepers available for training sessions and small-sided games. Meanwhile, Martin Dubravka, despite filling in admirably for Pope, is likely to leave the club this summer, with Celtic rumored as a potential destination.
Fans on social media are buzzing with questions about whether Newcastle’s goalkeeping department has strengthened compared to last season. Earlier in the transfer window, the club was linked with Giorgi Mamardashvili and James Trafford. Mamardashvili was seen as a potential challenger for the number one spot, while Trafford was considered a developmental prospect.
The signings of Vlachodimos and Ruddy seem opportunistic, particularly Vlachodimos, whose acquisition was likely influenced by the Anderson negotiations. Despite not being a primary target, Vlachodimos brings a wealth of experience as a Greek international, with hundreds of European matches under his belt, including a Champions League quarterfinal appearance in 2023.
Vlachodimos stands out as an exceptional shot-stopper, evidenced by his advanced metrics at Benfica. His goals prevented metric of +24.6 highlights his value in goal, showcasing his ability to exceed the average shot-stopper’s performance. However, like Martin Dubravka, he has some areas for improvement, such as his tendency to take negative positions and prefer punching over catching.
John Ruddy, on the other hand, has amassed 87 appearances over the last two Championship seasons. Unlike Loris Karius, Ruddy has recent experience as a first-choice goalkeeper, which is a significant advantage. His aerial presence is a notable strength, having stopped 11.6% of crosses last season, placing him in the 97th percentile among goalkeepers.
Although Ruddy’s shot-stopping abilities have declined with age, his goals prevented metric of -0.8 over the past two seasons indicates he remains an average shot-stopper at the Championship level. For a third-choice keeper, his experience and aerial ability make him a solid addition.
The links to Mamardashvili and Trafford earlier in the window suggested immediate concerns about Nick Pope’s shoulder. Both players would have been strong enough to challenge and possibly displace Pope. However, the signings of Vlachodimos and Ruddy imply that the club has confidence in Pope’s fitness and durability for the upcoming season.
The absence of European football may have influenced the decision to rely on Pope, with Vlachodimos and Ruddy providing competent backup. Alternatively, there could be a possibility of Nick Pope being available for transfer, indicating a potential overhaul of the goalkeeping department. While this scenario seems unlikely, it cannot be entirely dismissed.
Newcastle United’s recent goalkeeping acquisitions demonstrate a strategic approach to strengthening their squad. The additions of Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy provide depth and experience, ensuring Eddie Howe has reliable options beyond Nick Pope.
While questions about overall strength compared to last season remain, the club’s proactive moves suggest a well-thought-out plan to navigate the challenges of the upcoming campaign.
As the transfer window progresses, Newcastle’s ability to finalize deals and potentially offload surplus players like Martin Dubravka will be crucial in solidifying their goalkeeping roster. Fans can look forward to seeing how these strategic additions impact the team’s performance in the new season.
