Carlos Alcaraz could hold the key to Southampton beating Wolves to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, with Russell Martin keen to resolve what is proving to be a problem position.
Gavin Bazunu was Southampton‘s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper under Russell Martin prior to injuring his Achilles in April.
The Irishman is not without his critics given Bazunu’s statistics do not cover him in glory in terms of shot-stopping, but he really comes to the fore when he has the ball at his feet; something that is crucial to the way Southampton build up.
Alex McCarthy was favoured over Joe Lumley to deputise for Bazunu for the run-in and was solid as Southampton secured promotion via the play-offs.
However, this pre-season has only served to highlight the 34-year-old’s deficiencies with the ball which simply will not do for Martin this season.
Southampton considering Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas as Aaron Ramsdale alternative
Mateusz Lis is also still at the club after spending last season on loan at sister club Goztepe but failed to grasp his opportunity in pre-season and is expected to return to Turkey where he kept 20 league clean sheets last campaign.
The goalkeeper situation has seen Southampton linked with Sam Johnstone, as well as a loan move for Arsenal back-up Aaron Ramsdale.
Now, though, it appears the club may have turned their attention to another option.
That is according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, who report that Southampton and Wolves are both interested in a move for 22-year-old ‘keeper Christos Mandas who only signed for Lazio last summer.
Having signed Mandas from OFI Crete in Greece for around £770k a year ago, Lazio are now said to value Mandas at around £17 million which would represent a massive profit in just twelve months.
Enigmatic midfielder Carlos Alcaraz could be crucial to Southampton securing a move, with Lazio reportedly interested in taking the Argentine on loan despite his sending off as tempers boiled over in the recent 1-1 friendly draw between the two sides.
Ramsdale a safer option than Mandas for Southampton
A move for Mandas would represent a risk for Southampton.
The young Greek international played just nine league games for Lazio in his debut season and, whilst he did keep five clean sheets, is very inexperienced at the top level.
Ramsdale, on the other hand, has played 153 Premier League games and the fact he could join on loan could see Southampton invest the funds on other areas of the squad before reassessing their options once Bazunu is fit again.
When Martin still needs at least an attacking midfielder and winger this summer – as well as arguably another striker – spending £17 million on a unknown quantity to play in goal does not seem the wisest move.
The goalkeeper situation is one that needs addressing, but perhaps Ramsdale is the safer pair of hands this summer.
