Liverpool FC are gearing up to table an opening bid for Real Betis defender Aissa Mandi. The Algerian international can play at both the center-back and fullback positions. Signing Mandi could be Jurgen Klopp’s way to bolster the defensive squad depth of the Reds.
With Mandi entering his last year of contract with Real Betis, Liverpool FC could hope to sign the 28-year old on the cheap.
Reports suggest that Mandi’s transfer may cost the Reds somewhere around £10 million.
Such a price-tag for the highly versatile defender would be a delight for the Liverpool FC boss Jurgen Klopp.
With Nathaniel Clyne having departed last month following the expiry of his Liverpool FC contract, the Merseyside club are also set to lose out on center-back Dejan Lovren to Zenit Saint Petersburg. The 31-year old Lovren is nearing a move to the Russian side, having featured in a limited capacity for the Reds over the past two seasons.
Mandi could also provide cover for Trent Alexander Arnold and Andy Robertson if either one of the fullbacks are suspended or injured. Moreover, the Algerian international will fortify Jurgen Klopp’s depth at center-back, alongside Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Joel Matip.
The Reds manager has often spoken about the Merseyside club’s inability to finance big-money signings this summer. Due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Liverpool FC’s revenue has been hit hard. As a result, Klopp stated curbing the club’s spending in the transfer window to the maximum possible extent.
Since signing for Real Betis in 2016, Mandi has made more than 100 competitive appearances for the Spanish side. The 28-year old has even captained the club on several occasions, most notably in Betis’ 3-2 loss against FC Barcelona earlier this year.
Besides Mandi, Liverpool FC continues to be linked with a number of defenders during the ongoing transfer window. Sevilla’s Diego Carlos and Bristol City’s Lloyd Kelly have also been subject to interest from the Premier League champions.
