"Clearly a mistake" - Newcastle United star told he has made £20m transfer error following historic win
A withering verdict was delivered on one of Newcastle United's summer signings.
One of Newcastle United’s most expensive summer signings has been told he has made a clear mistake in joining the Magpies.
After a challenging transfer window that brought failed moves for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, there was disappointment of all levels at St James Park as Eddie Howe’s squad was left short in key areas. There were a number of successful additions as Lewis Hall’s loan move from Chelsea was converted into a permanent switch and Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly was reunited with Howe after making a free transfer move to Tyneside. Sheffield United forward William Osula was snapped up in a £15m deal and youngster Miodrag Pivas was brought in before being immediately sent out on loan to Eredivisie club Willem II.
However, the main moves came within the Magpies goalkeeping ranks as the surprise signing of veteran stopper John Ruddy was quickly followed by the addition of Greek international stopper Osysseas Vlachodimos. The move for the Nottingham Forest keeper seemed to be partly motivated by Elliot Anderson’s switch to the City Ground as Newcastle continued to battle with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations.
The move appeared to become even more curious as the Greek star found himself left out of a number of matchday squads before making a belated competitive debut for the Magpies in the recent Carabao Cup win against AFC Wimbledon. The Magpies stopper was in action on Thursday night as he helped Greece to a historic win over an England side containing United team-mate Anthony Gordon - and Vlachodimos was told after the game he has made an error in accepting an offer to join Newcastle amid interest from clubs in three other countries.
As per Football 365, Greek commentator Christos Sotirakopoulos said: “Clearly a mistake (to join Newcastle). He could have moved to Germany, Spain or Italy – in that order. There were enough offers. At Benfica he was between the posts for a top team for five years. In Germany, for example, he knows the country, the people and the circumstances.
“Even if he had played at Nottingham. This is a team that often comes under pressure and defensive order can quickly be lost as a result. I don’t know the circumstances of the expensive move to Newcastle well enough.”
Vlachodimos will be back in action for Greece when they host Republic of Ireland on Sunday night.