Why PL champions Liverpool should attempt to land Aissa Mandi
According to Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo (h/t Daily Mail), Liverpool are monitoring the situation of Real Betis full-back Aissa Mandi.
The 28-year-old is in the final year of his contract with La Liga side, whom he joined back in 2016. And the report suggests that it is hugely unlikely that Mandi will extend his stay with the club.
A versatile defender, Mandi has featured 29 times for Betis in the league this season and even captained the side against Barcelona back in February. With 5 goals and 2 assists from 141 appearances for Betis over four years, Mandi is not short on experience.
He could be available for a sum as little as £10m, with Betis clearly in need of funds following the financial implications caused by the coronavirus pandemic. This, along with Mandi’s contract situation, has grabbed the attention of Liverpool, who are on the lookout for defensive reinforcements this summer. (h/t Daily Mail)
Mandi could be a valuable addition for Liverpool
Liverpool are in need of back-ups for their in-form full-backs Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander Arnold, who have been vital to the team’s success in recent times.
At the moment Robertson remains Liverpool’s only left-back while in the right, they have academy graduate Neco Williams as a backup. However, Williams is still only 19 and has plenty of room for improvement in his game.
That said, Mandi would be a brilliant addition to manager Jurgen Klopp’s side as he has enough experience at his hand. Moreover, his versatility could be an added benefit for any side, let alone Liverpool.
While he has been primarily used as a centre-bck at Betis, in his 169 appearances for former club Stade Reims, the Algerian has played 89 times as a right-back, nine times on the left and 34 times as a centre-back.
Thus, by all means, Mandi’s addition will only strengthen the Liverpool squad if both parties come to an agreement. The Reds should continue their pursuit of Mandi and land him at Anfield if they wish to stay at the top next season.
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Verdict
First of all, it is evident that Liverpool lack depth in their full-back role, and this could prove to be costly next season when they defend their title. Having an experienced and versatile defender such as Mandi will only offer manager Klopp plenty of options next season. Moreover, he is 28 and still has plenty of football left in him. Thus, they should attempt to lure him to Anfield in the summer.
