According to a recent report by COPE, Liverpool have launched a €10m bid for Real Betis centre-half Aissa Mandi this summer. The same source has also revealed that the Reds have made a low offer when compared to the player’s €30m release clause. However, it is believed that the Spanish outfit could be willing to sanction the Algerian defender’s departure on the cheap as his current contract is set to run out at the end of next season (via COPE).
Mandi’s Impressive Season At Benito Villamarín Stadium
The France-born talent has enjoyed another solid campaign in La Liga after putting in a string of dominant displays at the centre of Rubi’s defence. He participated in 30 matches for the Spanish outfit last season, securing a total of 2668 minutes of game time and picking up nine yellow cards on all fronts.
The Algerian powerhouse deserves a lot of praise for averaging 1.1 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 3.0 clearances per game in the Spanish top-flight last season which goes to show just how influential he has been at the heart of the Betis backline (stats via whoscored).
The 28-year-old has also made an incredible impact at the international stage having played in 55 senior matches for the Algerian national team while registering one goal for his country thus far. Mandi has already won the 2019 African Cup of Nations with Algeria and could have a chance of bagging a few more medals in the coming seasons if he decides to join Jurgen Klopp’s awe-inspiring revolution at Anfield.
What Will The Algeria International Bring To Merseyside?
Mandi is versatile enough to operate in any position across the backline. He is primarily a centre-half, but can also do a decent job as a full-back if required. The Algerian star can use his quickness to pull off a few wonderful recovering runs inside his half. He possesses a lot of upper-body strength that allows him to outmuscle the opposition in the air and command his penalty area with authority and conviction. The La Liga defensive ace is often quick to scan the danger. He is proficient at earning possession back and making a few important last-gasp clearances for his team.
Mandi’s impressive versatility, coupled with his defensive prowess, make him a great option for the Reds ahead of the new season. He will not only add some stability and variety to Klopp’s defence but also increase competition for places within his squad. Plus, he will serve as an ideal long-term replacement for Dejan Lovren, who has decided to join Zenit St Petersburg this summer.
The Algerian sensation will also offer some much-needed competition for the likes of Joel Matip and Joe Gomez in the race to earn a permanent starting place alongside Virgil Van Dijk at Anfield next season. At 28, Mandi has proven his worth in Spanish football. However, there are still some doubts over whether he will be able to cope with the physicality and high intensity of the Premier League football if Klopp can find a way to lure him to Merseyside in this off-season.
