Bournemouth have reached a final agreement with Lazio for goalkeeper Christos Mandas. The package could reach around €20 million with add-ons. It starts as a loan move with a buy option clause included. The 24-year-old Greek keeper looks set to join the Premier League side soon, as talks wrapped up quickly in the January transfer window.
Sources close to the deal say Bournemouth pushed hard to get this done. Fabrizio Romano reported the full package details first, noting the potential €20 million figure if add-ons kick in.
Other reports mention the buy option could become an obligation based on things like appearances or if the club qualifies for Europe. BBC Sport confirmed advanced talks earlier this week for a loan with a conditional buy.
Mandas has been at Lazio since 2023. They signed him from OFI Crete for about €1.3 million. He got 33 appearances in Serie A and played twice for Greece. He started as backup to Ivan Provedel but stepped up when needed. Lazio now seem ready to let him go, and they are already looking at replacements from Serie B.
For Bournemouth, this fits their recent approach. Manager Andoni Iraola likes adding young players with room to grow. They did something similar last summer with Alex Jimenez from AC Milan on loan, and that deal is turning permanent. Current first-choice keeper is Dorde Petrovic. Fraser Forster came in as backup not long ago. Mandas would add more competition in goal.
The Cherries sit comfortably in mid-table this season. They have surprised a few teams with solid results. Owner Bill Foley keeps backing transfers, like the recent one for Alex Toth from Ferencvaros. Bringing in Mandas shows they want depth, especially with a busy schedule ahead.
Lazio’s side makes sense too. They have Provedel as their main man in goal. Mandas wanted more regular minutes, and a move to England offers that. Several Premier League clubs showed interest earlier, including West Ham and Wolves, but Bournemouth moved fastest.
Fees mentioned vary a bit across reports. Some say the buy clause sits under €25 million. Others point to £15 million or £21 million equivalents. The add-ons likely tie to performance or team success. That’s common now to spread the cost.
Fans in Bournemouth will watch this one closely. Goalkeeper spots matter, and a new face could shake things up. Mandas stands tall at 1.89 meters and handles the ball well with his feet, which suits modern play.
This January window stays active for Bournemouth. They also chase Vasco da Gama striker Rayan in a big-money move. After selling Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City, they have funds to spend.
On the Lazio end, losing Mandas means finding cover quick. Reports name three Serie B keepers as targets. Italian clubs often shop lower leagues for value.
All signs point to Mandas heading to the Vitality Stadium soon. Medical checks and final paperwork come next. If it goes through, he could debut before long.
Transfers like this highlight how clubs work the market. Bournemouth build smartly without huge spending. Lazio cash in on a player who grew in value.
Fans searching for Christos Mandas to Bournemouth updates will find this as the latest step. The deal structure gives both sides some flexibility. Loan first, then decide on permanent later.
Premier League sides keep eyeing Serie A talent. Mandas follows others who made the switch. He has the skills to adapt.
Stay with developments on this transfer. More news could drop any day as the window runs until early February. Bournemouth fans have reason to feel good about their club’s work so far this month.
