The Latest on Lazio’s Goalkeeper Plans as Bournemouth Consider Keeping Mandas | OneFootball

Lazio currently have an abundance of options between the sticks, as Ivan Provedel, Christos Mandas, and Edoardo Motta are all vying for a role.

The Background

Provedel has been the club’s first choice since completing a move from Spezia in the summer of 2022. Mandas signed for the Biancocelesti in 2023, and mostly served as a back-up, but he filled in admirably when the Italian was injured or out of form.

The Greek then signed for Bournemouth on loan in January, and was replaced by 21-year-old Motta, who also impressed when Provedel was ruled out with a shoulder surgery.

Ivan Provedel Close to Joining Inter Milan

Needless to say, at least one of these three shot-stoppers will leave Lazio in the summer. At this stage, Provedel appears to be the most likely option, with Inter Milan making significant progress in their attempts to sign him. Nevertheless, Mandas’ future has yet to be determined as well.

Bournemouth Willing to Buy Mandas for the Right Price

The 24-year-old didn’t make a single appearance for Bournemouth, as his coach, Andoni Iraola, kept faith in the tried-and-trusted Djordje Petrovic. Therefore, the Cherries aren’t willing to exercise their option to buy the Greek international for €18 million.

But according to Il Corriere dello Sport, the Premier League club remains interested in Mandas, and would like to keep him for a more modest figure. It should be noted that Bournemouth have appointed a new manager in Marco Rose, and will play in the Europa League next season. Therefore, the goalkeeper could find more opportunities at the Vitality Stadium in 2026/27.

Mandas Could Become the First Choice at Lazio

Nevertheless, the incoming Lazio manager has already revealed his desire to keep Mandas at Formello should Provedel be sold. The 48-year-old is willing to guarantee the Piraeus native a starting role, with Motta acting as his understudy. Despite the young Italian’s exploits, the club feels he still needs to sharpen his tools before being entrusted with a prominent role.