Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has already ‘told’ Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag why he must sign Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos this summer.
United are on the search for a backup goalkeeper for Andre Onana, who signed from Inter Milan in July as David De Gea’s replacement.
Erik ten Hag currently has Dean Henderson, Radek Vitek and Tom Heaton on his books as other goalkeeping options, but the former is courting interest from Crystal Palace while the latter is recovering from an injury.
Their goalkeeper search has recently taken them as far as Fenerbahce’s Altay Bayindir, with The Athletic reporting that the Turkey international had pre-medical tests with United on Monday.
However, the club have concerns over the condition of a back problem, which could put a move for the 25-year-old on hold.
According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, United have a ‘verbal agreement’ with Vlachodimos, who was born in Germany but represents Greece at senior international level. A deal could be struck for €15 million.
The 29-year-old has made over 200 appearances for Benfica since arriving in 2019, but Portuguese outlet Record claim that he has fallen out with manager Roger Schmidt and wants to leave the club.
The goalkeeper has already received high praise from Liverpool boss Klopp.
Jurgen Klopp has ‘told’ Man Utd about Odysseas Vlachodimos
Liverpool took on Benfica in a Champions League quarter-final tie over two legs in 2022.
The Reds won 3-1 at the Estadio da Luz on their way to an eventual clash against Real Madrid in the final, with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz all getting their names on the scoresheet.
But speaking after the match in Portugal, Klopp felt Liverpool should have scored more – and would have done if not for the heroics of Vlachodimos betwen the sticks.
He explained (quotes via Reuters): “We should have scored much more. I think, mainly because of their goalkeeper, credit to him.
“Their goalkeeper was probably the game’s best player. We played well, but he made a couple of really good saves.”
Having been dropped for Benfica’s win over Estoril in Liga Portugal, it remains to be seen whether Vlachodimos reclaims the number one spot at the club. United could now swoop for the goalkeeper – and they have already received the perfect recommendation from Klopp.
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