Medical booked: Newcastle agree deal to part ways 31yo outcast after frustrating Premier League move

Newcastle United have reached an agreement to send goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos to Sevilla on a season-long loan, bringing an end to the Greek international’s disappointing spell on Tyneside.

The 31-year-old shot-stopper, who arrived last summer in a £20 million deal from Nottingham Forest as part of a swap that saw Elliot Anderson move in the opposite direction, will undergo his medical in Spain this week ahead of completing the temporary switch.

Vlachodimos’ time at St James’ Park proved frustrating for both player and club. Limited to just one competitive appearance behind first-choice Nick Pope, the former Benfica keeper never established himself in Eddie Howe’s plans.

His prospects diminished further last week when Newcastle secured Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton, effectively pushing Vlachodimos further down the pecking order.

For Sevilla, the move addresses their pressing need for experienced goalkeeping cover.

The La Liga side have included an option to make the deal permanent next summer, offering Vlachodimos a potential long-term solution after his Premier League struggles.

The arrangement suits all parties – Newcastle trim their wage bill, Sevilla gain a seasoned international, and the player himself secures regular football at a respected European club.

The transfer continues Newcastle’s summer squad restructuring, though more pressing concerns remain at the opposite end of the pitch.

Alexander Isak’s future continues to dominate discussions, with Liverpool maintaining interest in the Swedish striker.

Newcastle’s hierarchy face a delicate balancing act – reluctant to lose their star attacker but struggling to identify suitable replacements as the transfer window enters its decisive phase.

Vlachodimos’ impending departure highlights the challenges of Newcastle’s previous transfer strategy.

The 2024 swap deal with Forest, primarily designed to navigate Profit and Sustainability Rules, yielded little on-field benefit for either club.

As Howe reshapes his squad for the new campaign, this loan move represents an opportunity to correct that miscalculation while providing the player with a fresh start in a league where he previously excelled during his five seasons in Portugal.

With preseason preparations intensifying, Newcastle’s focus now shifts to resolving their attacking conundrum. While the goalkeeping situation appears settled with Pope and Ramsdale, the unresolved Isak saga threatens to overshadow their summer business.

Vlachodimos’ exit creates financial and squad space, but the Magpies’ success this season may hinge on their ability to either retain their star striker or secure an adequate replacement in the coming weeks.

For Vlachodimos, the move to Andalusia offers redemption after a forgettable English chapter. His pedigree in European competition and proven track record in southern Europe suggest this loan could revitalize a career that stalled on Tyneside.

As for Newcastle, the deal represents another step in their ongoing squad evolution under Howe’s management.