According to a recent report by AS, Newcastle United are eyeing a move to secure the signature of Real Betis centre-back Aïssa Mandi this summer. The same source has also revealed that the Algerian defender’s current contract at the Estadio Benito Villamarín runs out at the end of next season, but his renewal talks with the club have stalled because of the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
It is believed that the Spanish outfit are weighing up their future options and could be forced to cash in on their prized asset to cope with the economic difficulties caused by the COVID-19 outbreak (via AS).
Mandi’s Impressive Spell In Spanish Football In Recent Seasons
The former Reims player has enjoyed another solid campaign in the La Liga after putting in several commanding displays at the heart of Rubi’s backline. He has participated in 23 matches for Betis this term, receiving a total of 2038 minutes of game time across all competitions.
The Algerian international has averaged 1.2 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 3.2 clearances in every 90 minutes of league football this season which highlights his growing influence on the defensive end of the field (stats via whoscored).
Mandi has also made a significant impact at the international level having secured 55 senior caps for the Algerian national team while scoring one goal for his country thus far. He helped his homeland win the 2019 African Cup of Nations, so he will be expected to play a crucial role for Djamel Belmadi’s side in the next edition of the competition.
What Will The Algeria International Add To Steve Bruce’s Side?
Mandi is a highly versatile defender who can play in any position across the backline. He is primarily a centre-back but can also operate as a full-back if required. The Algerian talent has decent pace but is more renowned for using his strength to win his fair share of aerial duels from set-pieces. He excels at defending inside his own half and can make some vital interceptions and last-gasp clearances for his team. Plus, he is also a good header of the ball that makes him a threat from set-pieces in the opposition half.
Is Mandi The Right Choice For The Tyneside Giants?
Recruiting a player of Mandi’s experience and defensive prowess will undeniably be a massive coup for the Magpies if they can successfully lure him to St. James’ Park this summer. He will not only add a lot of quality to Bruce’s defence but also provide some healthy competition for the likes of Florian Lejeune, Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schär, Federico Fernández and Ciaran Clark at Tyneside.
Furthermore, Mandi can also serve as an ideal back-up for the Newcastle full-backs, DeAndre Yedlin, Paul Dummett, Javier Manquillo and Emil Krafth due to his incredible versatility. At 28, the Algerian defensive ace is currently playing at his prime and has still got a few good years left in his locker to flourish at the highest level.
Hence, he will be an excellent fit for the Magpies even though Newcastle are quite well-stocked in the defensive department. Mandi is more than capable of securing a regular starting berth in the Premier League and has all the attributes needed to be a favourite among the Toon Army in the coming seasons.
