Odysseus Vlachodimos to Anderlecht? Here’s why a new goalkeeper should be Jesper Friedberg’s priority – Football News

Like last season, the goalkeeper issue is a thorny issue at Anderlecht. The people of Brussels did their best to keep Kasper Schmeichel, but in the end he did not renew his contract and signed for Celtic Glasgow.

Then the sporting management and Jesper Vredeberg set their sights on Jan Boetz from Antwerp. Nothing has come of this at the moment, as the Frenchman is still playing for Antwerp.

Odysseus Vlatchodimos, a big name in goal

The new name mentioned in purple and white is Odysseas Vlachodimos. The 30-year-old Greek goalkeeper has an impressive resume.

Trained in Stuttgart, he joined Panathinaikos in 2016. There he played 63 matches for the Greek national team. In 2018, he was attracted to Benfica Lisbon.

He became the first choice goalkeeper there and played 225 matches, winning the Portuguese Championship twice and the Portuguese Super Cup once. He is a famous goalkeeper in Europe and played 42 matches for Greece.

A new start at Anderlecht?

His career has recently taken a special turn. He was transferred last summer to Nottingham Forest, where he played only 7 games, and ended up behind the Belgian Matz Sels, even being left out of the squad.

His situation is great as he recently moved to Newcastle for around €24m. A strange move, as the Magpies can already count on Nick Pope as their first choice goalkeeper.

Goalkeepers, a central (and urgent) issue at Anderlecht

So Anderlecht is actively looking for a new first choice goalkeeper. Vlachodimos could arrive on loan. Colin Coosmans is currently doing well, but is not seen as an absolute strongman.

Given Anderlecht’s busy season, in which the team aims to play European football, it is clear that it is better to rely on two goalkeepers, one of whom has the experience and quality of Vlachodimos. However, Mads Kikenborg lacks the experience to take on the role of second goalkeeper.