Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas on Manchester City radar

Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas is on the radar of Manchester City ahead of the forthcoming summer transfer window.

Christos Mandas, 22, moved to Lazio from Greek club OFI in September 2023 for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-year contract. Signed as a third-choice goalkeeper, injuries to both Ivan Provedel and Luigi Sepe left Lazio with no option but to trust the former under-21 Greece international for January’s high-voltage derby clash with AS Roma. He helped Lazio to a 1-0 win over arch-rivals Roma in that Coppa Italia clash but that wasn’t enough to help him retain his spot between the sticks.

Mandas made his first Serie A start in the 3-2 win over Udinese, and after Igor Tudor replaced Maurizio Sarri as the manager in mid-March the young shot-stopper has grown leaps and bounds. The 22-year-old has played eight times under Igor Tudor, keeping five clean sheets and conceding only six goals. The Greek’s impressive displays in goal in five wins—two against Juventus—have reportedly grabbed the attention of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Manchester United, Man City’s cross-town rivals, have also expressed an interest in Mandas. However, it is understood that Man City executives have already been in contact with the representatives of the highly-rated goalkeeper.

Christos Mandas could be a solid addition to Man City’s goalkeeping ranks

Christos Mandas has performed admirably well at Lazio when called upon, but that has led to top European clubs circling him. Man City have shown an interest and would look to bring the 22-year-old to Etihad Stadium if Stefan Ortega decides to leave at the end of the season for pastures new.

At only 22, the Greek has shown great maturity and confidence in different aspects of his game in Serie A, and he also has a lot of time to improve. It is easy to comprehend why the Sky Blues would want Mandas as part of their goalkeeping group. Not only would he put pressure on undisputed No.1 Ederson, but he would potentially be a reliable option for City should the Brazilian get injured or hit a lean patch in form.

Lazio would want to keep hold of the talented shot-stopper having signed him only last summer, so City must pay a decent fee to persuade the Italian side into selling Mandas.