Lazio and Torino have reportedly opened talks over a goalkeeper swap involving Christos Mandas and Franco Israel.
Christos Mandas Destined to Leave Lazio in January
This season, Mandas has yet to make an appearance in Serie A, as Maurizio Sarri has opted to start with Ivan Provedel in all 18 league fixtures thus far. The Greek custodian only got the nod in the Coppa Italia victory over AC Milan last month. Therefore, a sale appears to be the best solution for all parties, allowing the 24-year-old to get playing time elsewhere while Lazio would register a capital gain.
Lazio & Torino Pondering Mandas & Franco Israel Swap
In recent weeks, Mandas was heavily linked with Juventus and Genoa, but neither track has materialized. Nevertheless, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the shot-stopper now has the opportunity to reunite with Marco Baroni, who made him a regular starter during the second half of the previous campaign, with Israel replacing him in Formello.
The former Lazio head coach is currently in charge of Torino, and his squad could do with a new goalkeeper. The Granata signed Israel from Sporting Club last summer. But while the Uruguayan showed some promise in the early rounds of the season, his performances regressed afterwards, so he recently lost his starting berth to Alberto Paleari, a 33-year-old journeyman.
Mandas Would Instantly Become New Torino No.1
If this double deal were to reach the finish line, Baroni would likely hand Mandas the reins straight away. On the contrary, Israel wouldn’t pose a major threat to Provedel’s starting berth at the Stadio Olimpico, but instead serve as an understudy for the 31-year-old, who has already registered nine clean sheets this season.
Another Lazio & Torino Swap Deal in the Making
Di Marzio claims that Lazio and Torino are currently working on the deal. Interestingly, this isn’t the only rumored swap involving the two clubs, as they were also tipped to exchange the services of Ivan Ilic and Reda Belahyane last week.
We really try to prove that everyone can count on us as Serie A fools?
Mandas is not a mediocre goal keeper… we decided to keep a lose basket ahead of him so his pissed and wants to leave. NOW u don’t giv3 such a good asset to ur opponent to take his below average keeper. Sell him to any club outside seria A or talk to him to stay
Personally I don’t really care what happens with Mandas because it’s clear that Sarri will always prioritise Provedel, now on Reda it’s a different story. We need someone who can actually play for us and Ilic will likely do, Reda becomes a surplus. Knowing Lotito and Co nothing will happen, for sure not soon enough..