Christos Mandas is enjoying the best form of his career, and his performances have been one of the reasons Lazio are challenging at the top of the Serie A table this season. However, the goalkeeper could have been playing for Juventus instead.
The Bianconeri were keen to strengthen their goalkeeping department during the summer after informing Michele Di Gregorio and Mattia Perin that they could leave if suitable offers arrived. The club was looking for alternatives because Luciano Spalletti was not convinced by either goalkeeper and wanted fresh options between the posts.
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Mandas had caught Spalletti’s attention, despite struggling to establish himself as Lazio’s first choice for several years. Juventus viewed him as a potential solution and were prepared to explore a deal to bring him to Turin.
Juventus attempted to sign Mandas
The Bianconeri understood that Lazio were reluctant to let the Greek goalkeeper leave, but that did not stop them from trying to negotiate an agreement. Their proposal involved a swap deal, with Di Gregorio offered to Lazio in exchange for Mandas.
However, the approach did not receive the response Juventus wanted. According to Tuttomercatoweb, the proposed transfer was vetoed by Gennaro Gattuso, who wanted Mandas to remain at the club.
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That decision has since worked in Lazio’s favour, while Juventus may have reason to regret missing out on the goalkeeper. Mandas has been in excellent form and has played an important role in his side’s impressive performances this season.
(Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Lazio make Juventus pay for their decision
Lazio have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, with their defensive stability helping them remain among the leading teams in Serie A. Mandas has contributed significantly from between the posts, giving his side an important foundation as they continue to collect positive results.
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Their progress was particularly evident when they travelled to the Allianz Stadium and defeated Juventus 3-0. The result made the contrast between the two teams even more striking, leaving the Bianconeri with further questions about their performances.
While Lazio have looked organised and difficult to overcome, Juventus have struggled to find consistency across the pitch. Their defeat was another reminder of the importance of having reliable options in goal, and Mandas’ performances have made the decision to keep him in Rome look increasingly valuable.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
