Lodygin joins Olympiacos on loan from Zenit

Instead of Antonio Donnarumma, Olympiacos have signed Yury Lodygin, with the Zenit Saint Petersburg goalkeeper joining on loan for the remainder of the 2018/2019 season.

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Initially, Olympiacos began the campaign with Jose Sa and Andreas Gianniotis as the goalkeeping pair, but after the latter was ostracized from the team, the Thrylos began searching for a replacement. Reports suggested that Olympiacos were close to signing Antonio Donnarumma from AC Milan, but in the end, they opted to hire Yury Lodygin. The Russian goalkeeper, who also holds Greek citizenship, has joined on a six-month loan from Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Olympiacos revealed Lodygin’s arrival with this following statement on social media:

“Yury Lodygin welcome to Olympiacos!”

Zenit Saint Petersburg then confirmed on their official website that Lodygin has signed for Olympiacos on loan until the current season reaches its conclusion.

Lodygin, born in Russia to a Greek mother and a Russian father, began his career at Xanthi where he progressed through the ranks. In the 2010/2011 season, he spent time on loan at Eordaikos, before breaking into the Xanthi main team. In 2013, Lodygin moved to Zenit, but he has struggled in the last few years in Russia as he fell down the pecking order.

This season, Lodygin was the third choice goalkeeper at Zenit behind Andrei Lunyov and Mikhail Kerzhakov, only playing in one UEFA Europa League qualifying match against Dinamo Minsk (0:4 loss). Lodygin has made 11 appearances for the senior Russian national team, but in the past, he competed in three games with the under 21 Greek national side.

Lodygin, 28, is expected to provide back-up for Sa in Piraeus.

by Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: to10.gr

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