Newcastle United soften stance as Odysseas Vlachodimos exit nears

Odysseas Vlachodimos is reportedly closing in on a return to Sevilla after Newcastle United softened their stance over the goalkeeper's future.

The Greece international spent last season on loan at the Spanish club and has made it clear he wants to remain in Andalusia. While Newcastle initially preferred a permanent sale to recoup part of the €24 million they paid for the goalkeeper in 2024, fresh reports suggest the Magpies have now accepted a different solution.

A new loan agreement is reportedly close, with confidence growing that the transfer could be completed before the end of the week.

According to Spanish outlet Mucho Deporte, negotiations between Newcastle and Sevilla have progressed significantly in recent days.

The Magpies originally wanted to sell the 32-year-old on a permanent basis after he fell out of Eddie Howe's first-team plans, but the player's determination to return to Spain has influenced discussions.

As a result, Newcastle are now prepared to sanction another loan move instead.

The proposed agreement would reportedly see Sevilla cover a much larger proportion of Vlachodimos' wages than during his previous spell, while also including an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.

Although the value of that clause has not been disclosed, both conditions are understood to have helped convince Newcastle to reconsider their position.

Sevilla's new sporting director, José Ignacio Navarro, has led negotiations and is believed to be close to finalising the agreement.

The goalkeeper is reportedly confident the move will be completed this week, allowing him to return to a club where he enjoyed regular football throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

During his loan spell, Vlachodimos made 34 appearances, keeping five clean sheets while establishing himself as Sevilla's first-choice goalkeeper.

Finding a solution for Vlachodimos has always appeared a priority given his limited opportunities at St James' Park. A permanent transfer may have been the club's preferred outcome, but reducing the wage bill while maintaining the possibility of a future sale still represents a reasonable compromise.

Vlachodimos has made just one competitive appearance for Newcastle since joining from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2024.

With two years remaining on his contract, Newcastle still retain control over his long-term future, but another season away from Tyneside now looks increasingly likely.

If Sevilla eventually activate their purchase option, Newcastle could still recover part of the original transfer fee in the future.

Sevilla are expected to finalise the remaining details with Newcastle over the coming days before confirming Vlachodimos' return. The goalkeeper's future now appears much clearer after the Magpies reportedly accepted that another loan move offers the best solution for all parties.

Will Odysseas Vlachodimos finally secure a permanent move away from Newcastle United after another season in Spain?