Leicester City given encouragement in goalkeeper search

The news that long-time servant Kasper Schmeichel would likely be leaving Leicester City will have been met with a feeling of sadness for supporters of the club, but not necessarily one of surprise.

At 35 years old, with a year left on his contract and considering prior comments suggesting his desire to play European football, a departure could not be ruled out.

"“If you ask any football player and club, you want to be competing in European football. You want to be competing at the highest level,” Schmeichel explained in April earlier this year.“These nights are just different. They provide something different for players and fans. They provide experiences to play against teams you don’t usually play against. It is really important for every club as a whole to experience those evenings.”Via: The Athletic"

Leicester missed out on European qualification in 21/22 after finishing 8th in what was an injury-laden campaign for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Reports suggest a move to Ligue 1 outfit Nice is imminent for Schmeichel – the only hurdle being Leicester’s reluctance to part ways prior to sourcing a replacement.

Under manager Lucien Favre, the Southern France side finished 5th last season, therefore, securing their place in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Leicester City find their Kasper Schmeichel replacement?

Portuguese outlets have stated that Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos is high up on the Foxes’ list of candidates to take over from Schmeichel.

A Bola, as quoted by Sport Witness, states that initial rumours putting his current employers’ valuation between €15m and €20m were wide of the mark – or above it.

As little as €10m is thought to be the figure necessary to prise the 28-year-old away. Benfica have alternative options in the position and are eyeing outside options as well.

A 27x capped Greece international, Vlachodimos would arrive at the King Power Stadium with a wealth of experience, whether he can fill the gloves of a figure such as Schmeichel’s is another question, however.

He made 32 Liga Portugal appearances last season keeping 10 clean sheets in the process notwithstanding the 37x crowned Portuguese champions finishing an underwhelming third place.