Newcastle United are entering a crucial period of the season, and much of the club’s attention is now focused on how best to support Eddie Howe during the January transfer window. With fixtures piling up and ambitions still very much alive on multiple fronts, decisions made in the coming weeks could shape the direction of the campaign and beyond.
On Saturday, the Magpies showed both their fighting spirit and their attacking quality as they booked a place in the next round of the FA Cup after a demanding tie against Bournemouth. Goals from Harvey Barnes, who struck twice, and Anthony Gordon helped Newcastle secure a dramatic 3–3 draw against Howe’s former club.
The match was full of tension, and it could have ended very differently had Nick Woltemade converted his penalty, but his effort rattled the crossbar. In the shootout that followed, Aaron Ramsdale emerged as the hero at St James’ Park with a vital save that sent the home crowd into celebration.
That performance once again highlighted the competitive situation Newcastle currently have in goal. Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale are battling for the number one shirt, with both offering different qualities and strengths.
Away from Tyneside, another Newcastle-owned goalkeeper is quietly building a strong reputation. Odysseas Vlachodimos has been impressing during his loan spell at Sevilla, where his performances have not gone unnoticed.
Sevilla are keen to keep the Greek international beyond the end of the season, but they are fully aware that interest from other clubs could grow if he continues at this level. Vlachodimos’ recent career path has been anything but straightforward.
When he moved from Benfica to Nottingham Forest in 2023, many in Portugal were surprised, given that he had been a regular starter in Lisbon. That surprise soon turned into confusion when he barely featured for Forest, and then into shock when the club sold him to Newcastle United for a reported fee of around €23 million, making a significant profit in the process.
That deal was part of some creative transfer manoeuvring between Premier League clubs dealing with financial regulations. From a footballing point of view, Newcastle never appeared to see Vlachodimos as a long-term solution between the posts. Just over a year after signing him, the Magpies sent him out on loan to Sevilla, giving him the chance to rebuild momentum and confidence.
At first, his time in Spain started quietly, with a few appearances on the bench. However, by September, Vlachodimos had established himself as Sevilla’s first-choice goalkeeper and has held onto that role ever since.
His consistency and calm presence have won over both the coaching staff and supporters. The player himself is also settled and would welcome the chance to stay in Andalusia.
Despite some reports suggesting otherwise, there is no purchase clause included in the current loan agreement. This means any permanent move will require fresh negotiations, and this is where things become complicated.
Sevilla have a long-standing reputation for being tough negotiators, especially when it comes to loaned players. Even when a player performs well for them, the club is rarely willing to pay a large fee to secure a permanent deal.
Sevilla sporting director Antonio Cordón is now expected to open talks with Newcastle United to explore possible solutions. However, there is little expectation that the Spanish club would come close to paying the €23 million Newcastle spent to sign Vlachodimos.
This is the case regardless of how well the 31-year-old has been playing. From the player’s side, he is prepared to push for the move he wants, even if that means applying pressure to help make the transfer happen.
From Newcastle’s perspective, the financial side of the deal is key. By the summer, it will be two years since Vlachodimos arrived from Nottingham Forest, with his contract running until 2028.
Based on standard accounting rules, his transfer fee is amortised at roughly €4.6 million per year over five years. To avoid recording a loss on the books, Newcastle would need to secure a fee of around €14 million.
That figure is likely beyond what Sevilla are willing to pay outright. As a result, alternative options are being considered. Another loan deal is one possibility, potentially with an obligation to buy included at a later date.
This could allow Sevilla to spread the cost and commit to a more manageable fee, possibly in the region of €9 million, payable in the summer of 2027.
For now, all sides are weighing their options. Newcastle want to protect their financial position, Sevilla want to keep a goalkeeper who has become vital to their team, and Vlachodimos wants stability and regular football. How these interests align will determine whether negotiations lead to a permanent move or another temporary solution.
