‘He Belongs To Newcastle’ – Sporting Director Clear Despite Wanting Magpies Star | OneFootball

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Sevilla sporting director Jose Ignacio Navarro has praised the ‘great’ campaign enjoyed by Newcastle United custodian Odysseas Vlachodimos amid the Spanish outfit’s efforts to keep hold of him.

The Greek shot-stopper arrived in Seville last summer following a difficult season at St James’ Park and quickly succeeded in rebuilding his reputation.

Vlachodimos kept five clean sheets in 33 La Liga appearances and played a key role in helping the Spanish side preserve their top-flight status during a testing campaign.

His displays did not go unnoticed either, with the goalkeeper earning the respect of the Sevilla supporters following a standout performance against Villarreal last September.

The 31-year-old’s performances also drew wider recognition, with a Spanish media hailing him as Sevilla’s signing of the season.

Sevilla are now exploring ways to prolong his stay in Spain, while the goalkeeper himself is understood to favour remaining at the club despite attracting interest from elsewhere.

Besiktas have been credited with an interest in the Greek goalkeeper, and Panathinaikos are also attempting to lure him back to his homeland, though much could depend on the player’s stance.

Any deal, however, is complicated by Newcastle’s desire to secure a significant transfer fee.

Newly appointed Navarro acknowledged that Vlachodimos enjoyed an impressive campaign, though he pointed out that the goalkeeper remains a Newcastle player.

He also admitted that Sevilla are looking to strengthen in that area, with any move likely to depend on how the summer window develops.

Navarro was quoted by Spanish outlet Sport as saying: “He’s a player who’s been with us, he’s had a great season, but he belongs to Newcastle.

“It’s a position we need to strengthen and we’ll see what happens during the transfer window.”

Former Sevilla sporting director Antonio Cordon struck a similar tone earlier this year when he expressed his desire to keep the Greek goalkeeper at the club.

Vlachodimos is not the only Newcastle goalkeeper facing an uncertain future, with Nick Pope also attracting interest from several Premier League clubs.

Meanwhile, the Magpies have already strengthened their options between the posts through the arrival of Ewen Jaouen from Ligue 2 outfit Reims.

Whether Newcastle continues to play hardball over Vlachodimos, or eventually moves closer to his wishes, remains to be seen as the transfer window unfolds.