Newcastle United complete signing of 6ft 2in goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos

Newcastle United have tied up a move for Odysseas Vlachodimos after the player underwent his medical on Sunday.

Chronicle Live understands that the 30-year-old's medical assessment took place in Athens after he agreed terms to join the Magpies from Nottingham Forest. The 6ft 2in stopper's move to St James' Park was rubber stamped in the early hours of Sunday with Elliot Anderson's £35million move to the City Ground also done.

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However, former Benfica goalie Vlachodimos has not turned up to meekly accept a number 3 position in the squad and intends to put serious competition for the number 1 position with Nick Pope. At 30, and after over 151 appearances for Benfica including some big Champions League nights, he feels he can push for the top spot at United.

After signing he said: "I am very happy to be joining Newcastle United. It’s an honour for me to be part of this huge club, with excellent players and a great coach. I can’t wait to get started!”

Eddie Howe, said: "Odysseas is very experienced at elite European and international level and he joins a strong group of senior goalkeepers. That strength in depth is valuable and means we go into the new season with strong competition in a key area."

Indeed, Vlachodimos kept clean sheets against sides like Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven and offers both a physical presence in the box and is deemed an excellent shot stopper. The Greek international leaves Forest after life as a back-up stopper but is excited about the challenge ahead.

After signing for Forest last year he said: "I believe in myself, I always want to play. In the last seven years I have played at a very high level, both with the national team and with Benfica. I have the experience and I feel ready for the Premier League."

Martin Dubravka now looks set to leave Newcastle after Slovakia's exit at Euro 2024.