Newcastle announce permanent signing of Nottingham Forest goalkeeper

Newcastle United have announced the signing of Greece international goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest.

The 30-year-old has made a permanent move to St James' Park, but the transfer fee and length of contract have not been disclosed.

Vlachodimos joined Forest from Benfica last summer for a reported £7.7m, but he departs the City Ground after making just seven first-team appearances in his solitary season at the club.

The shot-stopper becomes Newcastle's second summer arrival after Lloyd Kelly and boasts significant European and international experience, making 41 career appearances in the Champions League and earning 42 senior international caps for Greece.

Born in Stuttgart, Vlachodimos began his career with the Bundesliga club before spending two-and-a-half years in Greece with Panathinaikos.

Vlachodimos then spent five years with Portuguese giants Benfica, keeping 94 clean sheets in 225 appearances and winning two Primeira League titles.

📱 A message from our new signing, Odysseas Vlachodimos!

⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/4x21PregJE

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 30, 2024

Vlachodimos 'honoured' to join Newcastle

Speaking to Newcastle's official website about his arrival, Vlachodimos said: "I am very happy to be joining Newcastle United. It's an honour for me to be part of this huge club, with excellent players and a great coach. I can't wait to get started!"

Manager Eddie Howe added: "Odysseas is very experienced at elite European and international level and he joins a strong group of senior goalkeepers.

"That strength in depth is valuable and means we go into the new season with strong competition in a key area."

Vlachodimos will be hoping to compete with Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka for the number one jersey at Newcastle, although the latter is believed to be facing an uncertain future at St James' Park.

Dubravka, who has one year left on his contract, is seemingly at risk of slipping down to third choice in the pecking order and is believed to be keen to gain regular first-team football, which could lead to an exit this summer.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have confirmed the departure of midfielder Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest for a reported £35m, while Yankuba Minteh has completed a permanent switch to Brighton & Hove Albion for a fee in the region of £33m - two deals that will satisfy the Magpies' concerns over breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules.

Written by
Oliver Thomas