Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas might still secure a permanent move to Bournemouth, but his fate depends on two high-stakes outcomes: the Europa League final and the Premier League standings.

The 24-year-old Greek shot-stopper began the season as backup to Ivan Provedel at Lazio, making just one appearance—a Coppa Italia Round of 16 win over AC Milan. Frustrated by limited minutes, Mandas jumped at the chance to join Bournemouth on loan in January. However, his time on the south coast has been equally quiet, as Djordje Petrovic remains the Cherries' undisputed No. 1 under manager Andoni Iraola.

This lack of game time has raised concerns at Lazio's Formello training ground. The Biancocelesti are eager to cash in on Mandas, especially with young talent Edoardo Motta emerging as a future option. Bournemouth paid €1.5 million for the loan, with an option to buy for €17.5 million. Crucially, that option becomes an obligation if the Cherries qualify for next season's Champions League.

In the Premier League, the top five finishers secure automatic UCL spots. Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United have already clinched theirs, while Liverpool and Aston Villa are well-positioned in fourth and fifth, holding a six-point cushion over Bournemouth.

But here's where it gets interesting: even if Bournemouth can't crack the top five, they could still sneak into Europe's elite competition if Aston Villa wins the Europa League. Villa advanced to the final by beating Nottingham Forest 4-1 on aggregate and will face Freiburg in Istanbul on May 20. If Villa triumphs and finishes fifth in the Premier League, they'd unlock an extra Champions League spot for England—a sixth berth—thanks to a UEFA technicality.

So, for Mandas and Bournemouth, the path to a permanent transfer runs through Istanbul and the final Premier League table. Every match counts, and the drama is just heating up.