‘We’re desperate’ – Newcastle fans rip into ‘stubborn’ Eddie Howe as exiled star shines away from St James’ Park
Newcastle fans are not happy with how Eddie Howe has treated Odysseas Vlachodimos as he impresses on loan at Sevilla amid their worsening goalkeeper situation.
Newcastle are believed to be in the hunt for a new number one goalkeeper despite Eddie Howe having both Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale at his disposal this season.
Pope has struggled at times this campaign and is currently out injured, with Southampton loanee Ramsdale failing to impress in his absence recently.
Greece international Vlachodimos joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest for £20million in 2024, but failed to appear in the Premier League last season and made just one appearance in the Carabao Cup.
Vlachodimos joined Sevilla on loan in the summer in search of more game time, and his impressive La Liga form has angered Magpies supporters who believe he should be their first-choice stopper.
Vlachodimos struggled at Newcastle but has been a key man on loan at Sevilla
Vlachodimos‘ move to Newcastle was driven by Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules, as Elliot Anderson moved the other way with both clubs aiming to balance their books.
His lack of game time last season was largely attributed to Howe not wanting him in his squad in the first place, with Martin Dubravka largely trusted to play when Pope was rested or injured.
31-year-old Vlachodimos does boast some impressive experience, with 51 Greece caps to his name and a five-year stint at Benfica from 2018 to 2023 that saw him lift two Primeira Liga titles as their main goalkeeper.
He has returned to that form in his time at Sevilla so far, with the fourth-best expected goals prevented record in La Liga (4.1) and constant plaudits from the media for his impressive performances between the sticks.
Vlachodimos produced another excellent showing against Real Madrid on Saturday, as he made six saves and only conceded twice despite facing an expected goals on target number of 3.22.
Newcastle fans slam Howe for Vlachodimos’ treatment and urge him to make recall decision in January
Newcastle look set to miss out on James Trafford as he fights for his place at Man City, despite chasing his services for the best part of 18 months.
Vlachodimos recently told The i that he wants to play for Newcastle and would be happy to return to the club for next season, but they are known to be exploring new goalkeeping options in overseas markets.
Numerous fans fumed after his interview and strong performance, as they took to X to slam Howe by saying: “If (Vlachodimos) was a GK signing we were linked with after his form at Sevilla, we’d all be buzzing to sign him. As it is, he’s somehow behind John Ruddy. Get him back in January, Eddie.”
Another said: “Eddie is being stubborn not even giving him a chance. He’s actually potentially better than both (Pope and Ramsdale) given he can use his feet & shot stop.”
While one added: “He is the Greece number one and looked decent for them, but typical of Howe, he wouldn’t even give him one minute.”