Antonio Cordón’s complex plan to keep a key pillar at Sevilla | OneFootball

Sevilla’s summer rebuild has become an urgent priority, with Antonio Cordón grappling with how to keep Odysseas Vlachodimos amid an alarming loss of defensive solidity under Matías Almeyda.

According to ABC de Sevilla, the club have conceded the most penalties in LaLiga this season. Two more at Camp Nou took the total to 11, the second worst tally at this stage in the past decade, behind RCD Mallorca in 2012-2013. Nine have been converted, underlining fragile defending.

Even so, Vlachodimos has been a rare bright spot, saving some spot kicks, including Stuani’s on matchday 23. His form has impressed the hierarchy.

Keeping him is complicated financially. Vlachodimos belongs to Newcastle United and is contracted until 2028, and the Premier League club invested over 20 million euros, so will look to recover much of that outlay.

In modern football, player preference can be decisive, but Sevilla’s strained finances limit room for manoeuvre. Interest from major European clubs is likely to inflate any permanent deal, and even a fresh loan could prove expensive. Striking an agreement that suits all parties is Cordón’s big summer task.

The goalkeeping call will shape Sevilla’s market moves. Arouna Sangante and Juan Iglesias are intended to tighten the back line, while Marius Marin and Patrick Mercado also feature in Cordón’s plans.

Source: La Colina De Nervion