Devesh Kumar
Transfer News: Manchester United identify Odysseas Vlachodimos as David de Gea replacement
Manchester United have identified Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos as a potential replacement for David de Gea.
The Red Devils are considering a move for the 28-year-old Greece international next summer according to Media Foot (h/t Manchester Evening News).
De Gea sees his current contract expire next summer, though the Reds are expected to extend the Spaniard’s stay at the club.
Vlachodimos joined the Portuguese side from Panathinaikos in the summer of 2018. Since then, the goalkeeper has been the first-choice for them in between the sticks.
The 28-year-old has made 16 appearances so far in all competitions, keeping nine clean sheets in the process. Overall, the keeper has made 185 appearances for the Portuguese club in all competitions.
De Gea has in recent years come under scrutiny for staying on his line too many times – even when it calls for him to charge out. The 31-year-old has also struggled to start play from the back, something that is crucial in Erik ten Hag’s tactics.
While the 31-year-old has been the main keeper for the Red Devils since making his move from Atletico Madrid back in 2011, it seems the Reds are now ready to start someone else in between the sticks.
It remains to be seen if the Manchester-based club does make a move for the 28-year-old next summer. While De Gea is still an important player for the club, competition is needed and Vlachodimos could be the perfect candidate for that.
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Moreover, with De Gea in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford (Transfermarkt), it is important that we start planning ahead. Dean Henderson is loaned out to Nottingham Forest but it remains to be seen if he is preferred to be a potential successor to the Spaniard.
