Genoa Interested in Acquiring Lazio Benchwarmer in January | OneFootball

Genoa have reportedly enquired about the availability of Lazio’s second-choice goalkeeper Christos Mandas.

The Background

The 24-year-old signed for the Biancocelesti in the summer of 2023, joining from OFI Crete. He has often delivered solid displays when called upon, and even managed to usurp Ivan Provedel in Marco Baroni’s pecking order during the second half of the previous campaign. However, this decision was reversed by Maurizio Sarri, who made his return to the club last summer.

Christos Mandas Only Played Once for Lazio This Season

Since the start of the season, Provedel has started in every single Serie A contest for Lazio. The Italian shot-stopper has also regained his form, registering an impressive eight clean sheets in 15 outings. This meant that the manager has been reluctant to field Mandas, who only appeared in the team’s 1-0 victory over AC Milan in the Coppa Italia Round of 16.

Christos Mandas (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Nevertheless, the Greek shot-stopper won’t be satisfied with a few cup appearances throughout the season, so a January departure could be the best solution for all parties.

Genoa Ask Lazio About Mandas

According to La Repubblica (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Daniele De Rossi has asked Genoa to bring him a new goalkeeper, and Mandas is one of the names on the shortlist. The Grifone have been relying on  Nicola Leali since selling Josep Martinez to Inter Milan in the summer of 2024.

Can Genoa Afford Mandas?

While the 32-year-old Italian hasn’t disgraced himself, the new Genoa boss feels the Ligurian club could do with an upgrade, and Mandas has already proven his capabilities between the posts. However, Lazio could be more inclined towards an immediate sale to raise funds and boost their accounts, while Genoa might struggle to fork out a tempting transfer fee in January.

Mandas has also been linked with a move to the Premier League. Wolves already made an attempt to sign him last summer. Lazio’s asking price is said to be circa €10-15 million.