Maurizio sarri’s decision could push Lazio star towards wolves
Wolves have received a boost in their attempts to sign their longtime target, Christos Mandas, who has been made available by Lazio.
The Background
As it’s been well-illustrated over the past few days, the Italian capital club has been prevented from making any signings this summer after failing to balance their books based on their most recent financial report. Nevertheless, they’re still allowed to sell players.
Lazio Determined to Keep the Squad’s Core
Lazio president Claudio Lotito and the club’s sporting director Angelo Fabiani have both insisted that they intend to keep their key stars. However, they noted that the squad must be trimmed from 30 to 20 players, especially in the absence of European football.
Christos Mandas
With Lazio playing only once per week, there is only room for one main goalkeeper. Hence, the club is expected to sell either Mandas or Ivan Provedel. The two custodians have been vying for the No.1 role, with the Greek usurping the more experienced Italian in recent months.
Maurizio Sarri Names Ivan Provedel as His No.1
But according to Il Messaggero (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Maurizio Sarri has decided to overturn Marco Baroni’s decision, and thus restore his tried-and-trusted Provedel as his first choice between the sticks. Therefore, Mandas will be allowed to leave, which could be music to the ears of Wolverhampton, who have been pursuing the 23-year-old since last summer.
Wolves Still Keen to Sign Mandas
The Italian newspaper claims that Wolves are still interested in the Greece international, while Lazio will seize the opportunity to register sizable capital gains from a player who cost them just over €1 million two years ago. Hence, it remains to be seen if the stars will finally line up for Mandas and the Premier League boys.
Approach made: Wolves now in direct contact to sign “amazing” £15m defender
Wolverhampton Wanderers have now made direct contact over a deal for an “amazing” defender, who could be tempted by a move to Molineux this summer, according to a report.
Mandas Lazio, SUPER OFFERTA arrivata a Lotito! Riflessioni in corso, ecco QUANTO incasserebbe il club – Lazio News 24
Summer rebuild needed at Molineux
The departures of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha have left Vitor Pereira with work to do in the summer transfer market, but Steve Bull believes his former club could be capable of taking major strides next season.
Bull said: “Pereira had to pick up the pieces last season from Gary O’Neil and he guided us to safety.
“I am not sure he wants to do that this year. I think he wants to sell himself and get us at least in the top half of the table this season.”
Achieving a top-half finish after losing Ait-Nouri and Cunha would be a major achievement for Pereira, which would be sure to attract the attention of some top clubs, but a summer rebuild will be needed in order to make that goal a reality.
One of the main reasons the Old Gold were drawn into a relegation battle last season was their very poor defensive record, shipping 69 goals in the Premier League, the highest number of any club outside the relegation zone.
As such, it is little wonder Wolves are looking at bringing in a new centre-back, and they have now held direct talks with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Igor Julio, according to El Diario Vasco (via Sport Witness).
Indeed, the Old Gold have called Igor over a potential move to Molineux, which could be of great appeal, given that Pereira’s squad is full of Brazilian and Portuguese players.
However, the Brazilian is currently prioritising a move to Real Sociedad, as he is keen to seal a move away from England this summer, and believes the La Liga side could be a good fit.
Julio could be “amazing” signing for Wolves
Mandas Lazio, SUPER OFFERTA arrivata a Lotito! Riflessioni in corso, ecco QUANTO incasserebbe il club – Lazio News 24
Wolves will be hoping the defender’s head can be turned, despite the interest from Sociedad, as he impressed considerably for Brighton last season, being singled out for praise by manager Fabian Hürzeler.
Hürzeler said: “He played now a good game against Newcastle. And I wasn’t surprised by this because I see him every training session and he’s an amazing professional player.
“He always wants to give the best. He always wants to be the best version of himself and that’s very impressive.”
