Transfer Centre

Odysseas Vlachodimos 'unsure about Nottingham Forest move'

By Andrew Delaney, Reporter | 31 August 2023

Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos is reportedly unsure about moving to Nottingham Forest, given the likelihood of them fighting a relegation battle this season.

Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos has reportedly expressed concerns about joining Nottingham Forest.

The German-born Greece international won his second title between the sticks for Benfica last season, and has played regular Champions League football since joining from Panathinaikos in 2018.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that a €9m (£7.75m) offer has been made, but Benfica are holding out for more.

Despite the gap in the two side's valuations, there is still the belief that a deal will be struck before Friday's deadline.

However, Portuguese newspaper Record claims that Vlachodimos is resisting the transfer, as he does not want to move from a Champions League club to one that will be fighting relegation.

In addition to this, Evangelos Marinakis's ownership of the club has seen more than a few Forest players move to Olympiacos on loan.

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis pictured in February 2019 © Reuters

This is believed to be something Vlachodimos is wary of, either due to it being something of a backward step at this stage of his career, or because of his past Panathinaikos links.

The report states that it is a scenario that 'would not please' the goalkeeper, following in the footsteps of Omar Richards and Gustavo Scarpa who have made the move in recent weeks, and Josh Bowler who joined the Greek club in last year's summer window.

Vlachodimos had been on Manchester United's radar to join as backup to Andre Onana, with Dean Henderson stating his wish to leave for regular first-team football.

However, Altay Bayindir looks set to be United's priority in that department, leaving Vlachodimos on the market, with Benfica now already set for life without him.

Manager Roger Schmidt has not selected Vlachodimos in either of Benfica's last two Primeira Liga matches with a move away from the club looking likely.

Henderson's wish to leave Old Trafford meant that a move to Forest looked on the cards after his loan at the City Ground last season, but a permanent deal could not be reached and the goalkeeper now looks set to join Crystal Palace instead.

Forest moved fast to scout an alternative, and signed Arsenal's Matt Turner, who has featured in their first three league games this season.

However, with Ethan Horvath not looking likely to get a look in under Steve Cooper, another goalkeeper is on the Forest wishlist to provide competition to Turner, after he also started their EFL Cup defeat to Burnley on Wednesday night.