Wolves Interest Grows in Lazio Goalkeeper Transfer Possibility | OneFootball

Mandas future at Lazio hinges on January decision

Waiting game in Rome

Christos Mandas finds himself at a crossroads. The Greek goalkeeper, who impressed last season when given his chance, is now back in the shadows with Ivan Provedel restored as first choice. “He is asking for playing time so that he does not have to request a transfer in January. Mandas is waiting for a chance.” the Italian outlet reported. It is a delicate balancing act. He wants playing time, but if that is not forthcoming, he may have to seek an exit when the winter window opens. According to Corriere dello Sport.

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The absence of European football this season reduces opportunities for rotation. Sarri has stuck firmly with Provedel in the opening fixtures, rewarding the former Spezia man’s consistency. For Mandas, it means every training session is now an audition, a chance to convince the coach that he deserves league minutes.

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Wolves bid turned down

As Corriere dello Sport detailed, Wolverhampton Wanderers tested Lazio’s resolve with an offer of around €20 million in the summer. It was rejected, but it set a marker for how Mandas is valued in Rome. Lazio signed him from OFI Crete in 2023 for just €1 million, and with a contract until 2029, the potential profit is enormous. “Wolverhampton came forward for Mandas with an offer of around 20 million euros, which is the valuation the club has given him.” the report stated.

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From overturning hierarchies in Bergamo last season to being sidelined again, his trajectory has been turbulent. The summer transfer freeze meant Lazio were unwilling to sell without being able to buy. But come January, the financial logic of cashing in may weigh heavily.

Sarri’s immediate choices

Sarri’s loyalty to Provedel will likely continue for games against Sassuolo and Roma, but rotation could be introduced by the Genoa fixture on 29 September. Mandas himself underlined the healthy competition: “When I train hard, he does as well. This allows us to raise the level. In the dressing room there is a good atmosphere. It does not matter who plays, but that we do well. We still do not know who the starter will be, the decision will be Sarri’s.”

That decision has gone against him for now, but the next few months could be decisive. If Mandas is not used, Lazio’s directors may decide that his market value outweighs the benefit of keeping him on the bench.

Plusvalenza temptation

The Italian word “plusvalenza” is central here. Selling Mandas for €20 million or more, having spent €1 million just two years ago, would be a significant capital gain. For a club managing its resources carefully, that option will be hard to ignore.

Mandas himself, though, has little appetite for being a long-term understudy. As Corriere dello Sport put it, ““Christos is waiting for his turn, he does not want to spend an entire season as the number two.”His future will depend not only on Sarri’s trust but also on Lazio’s willingness to gamble on his potential resale value.

The international break may bring clarity, but the goalkeeper duel in Rome is set to intensify. January is looming as a decisive month.

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Wolves reportedly put €20 million on the table for Christos Mandas, a 22-year-old goalkeeper with huge potential, and Lazio turned it down. For fans, that shows both ambition and frustration. Ambition because the club clearly identified Mandas as a long-term solution between the posts, frustration because the bid was not enough to secure him.

There is excitement about what Mandas could bring. He has already proven himself in Serie A with Lazio, and his rise since leaving OFI Crete has been rapid. At just 22, his ceiling is high, and his blend of shot-stopping, composure and presence makes him exactly the type of signing Wolves supporters crave.

But there is also a question of timing. Wolves already have options in goal, and paying €20 million for a player who may not be immediately first choice would be a gamble. Yet, supporters know that opportunities to sign talents like this do not come often, and watching him sit on Lazio’s bench is a reminder of what could have been.

The January window may bring another opportunity. If Lazio decide to cash in, Wolves should be ready. For now, fans will hope the club remain interested and prepared to go back in with a stronger offer. Mandas could be worth the wait.