Lazio Optimistic About Mandas Situation Despite Bournemouth Struggles | OneFootball

Lazio still expect to cash in on Christos Mandas next summer, even though he has yet to earn his debut at Bournemouth.

The Background

The goalkeeper managed to impress in the Italian capital over the past couple of seasons, and even became the club’s first choice under Marco Baroni during the second half of the previous campaign. However, Maurizio Sarri restored Ivan Provedel to the No.1 role following his return to the club last summer.

This season, Mandas never made an appearance in Serie A, only taking the field in the Coppa Italia tie against AC Milan. Therefore, the two parties agreed to part ways in January.

Christos Mandas Struggling for Playing Time at Bournemouth

The Greek signed for Bournemouth on loan for €2.5 million, with an option to buy for €17.5 million. The agreement also includes an obligation to buy tied to the goalkeeper’s number of appearances.

However, triggering this clause is almost impossible at this stage, as the 24-year-old has yet to earn his debut with the Cherries. Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has decided to stick with his original first choice, Djordje Petkovic.

Lazio Believe Bournemouth Will Buy Mandas

According to Il Messaggero (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), the Biancocelesti aren’t worried about Mandas’ lack of playing time. Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani is confident that Bournemouth will decide to exercise their option to buy the custodian at the end of the season, which would allow the club to generate a large capital gain.

Lazio Already Moved on From Mandas

In the meantime, Lazio are more than happy with Mandas’ replacement, Edoardo Motta, who has been filling in admirably for the injured Provedel. The 21-year-old has already registered two clean sheets in his first three appearances for the club.

Last Sunday, Motta pulled off an exceptional save to deny Riccardo Orsolini from the spot, as the Aquile went on to beat Bologna by two unanswered goals.