Man Utd target KEEN on transfer move as Dean Henderson nears exit

Cameron Smith

Updated: 22 Aug 2023 05:26 CDT
3 min read

Manchester United target Odysseas Vlachodimos wants to leave Benfica this summer after he was criticised by Roger Schmidt following his recent performance against Boavista.

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Vlachodimos conceded three, including two in stoppage time, as Benfica lost the match 3-2, which led to Schmidt publicly criticising the ‘keeper in his post-match press conference.

Portuguese outlet Record have reported that those comments did not sit well with Vlachodimos, who is now keen on leaving the club before Deadline Day, according to the Daily Mail.

Furthermore, he was omitted from their matchday squad to face Estrela Amadora on Saturday as an exit beckons.

Man Utd have identified the Greek shot-stopper as their ideal back-up to summer signing Andre Onana, and are now pushing ahead to secure his signature following this recent development.

Vlachodimos, 29, has 33 caps for the Greece national team and has made 225 appearances for Benfica since joining the Portuguese giants in 2018.

His current deal at the Estadio de Drago runs until 2027, after he signed an extension in March, meaning Man Utd may have to fork out more than his €19.4 million Estimated Transfer Value (ETV).

Henderson to leave Man Utd

As per Fabrizio Romano, current number two Dean Henderson is close to leaving the club, with Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest both interested in signing the Englishman.

Man Utd are hoping to offload the 26-year-old this month after his loan spell at Forest last term. His time at the City ground was curtailed by a late season injury, which resulted in Keylor Navas joining on loan.

Steve Cooper’s side have now signed Matt Turner from Arsenal on a permanent deal, meaning Henderson would be forced to compete with the USA international if he re-joins the club.

Man Utd have already offloaded two goalkeepers this window, with Nathan Bishop joining Sunderland on a free transfer and Bayer Leverkusen spending €5m to sign young Czech Republic shot-stopper Matej Kovar.