Bournemouth Offer Troubled Full-Back to Lazio in Exchange for Mandas

Bournemouth are hoping to keep Christos Mandas for next season, so they’re trying to tempt Lazio by offering Alex Jimenez in a swap deal.

Bournemouth Trying to Swap Alex Jimenez with Lazio Goalkeeper Christos Mandas

The Greek goalkeeper spent the second half of the campaign on loan at the Vitality Stadium, but wasn’t given any playing time under Andoni Iraola, who kept faith in Djordje Petrovic. Therefore, the Cherries aren’t willing to exercise their option to buy the 24-year-old for €18 million, which will expire on June 15.

But according to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Bournemouth are working on a creative solution to maintain Mandas’ services, offering a swap deal that would send Jimenez back to the Italian peninsula.

Jimenez’s Career Path, Stats & Legal Troubles

The 21-year-old is a Real Madrid academy product who joined AC Milan in 2023. The Spaniard had his breakthrough during the 2024/25 campaign, especially under Sergio Conceicao. However, the Rossoneri decided to cash in on him last summer, selling him to Bournemouth for circa €20 million.

The full-back enjoyed a positive start to his Premier League experience. He made 32 appearances for the English club, contributing with a goal and an assist. Nevertheless, his campaign ended prematurely, as he was provisionally suspended by the club due to an alleged inappropriate interaction with a minor on social media.

Why Lazio Will Be Reluctant to Accept Bournemouth Swap Proposal

While Lazio could do with a young right-back who can be an upgrade on Adam Marusic and Manuel Lazzari, they are unlikely to be tempted by Jimenez, whose arrival would entail a major risk amid his ongoing legal troubles, not to mention his severely damaged reputation.

Moreover, Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso would like to hand Mandas the starting role, with Edoardo Motta as his understudy, while Ivan Provedel is negotiating a transfer to Inter Milan.