Real Betis are becoming less and less optimistic that Aissa Mandi will sign a new contract with Estadio Deportivo reporting that it would be a ‘miracle’ if the Liverpool and Newcastle United target stays at the Benito Villamarin.
While both Jurgen Klopp and Steve Bruce have played down the prospect of big-money signings this summer, their budgets hit hard by an ongoing financial crisis, this Algerian centre-half would not cost a bomb.
Mandi is due to become a free agent in 12 months’ time, after all.
And, try as they might, Real Betis are no closer to agreeing fresh terms, meaning one of Spain’s best supported clubs might have no choice but to cash in.
Mandi missed eight La Liga games through injury and suspension in 2019/20.
And it is no coincidence that the Verdiblancos conceded three goals on average in those fixtures, which included 5-2 and 5-1 batterings against Barcelona and Villarreal and a 4-2 collapse versus Levante.
The prospect of Mandi-less life does not bare thinking about then – but keeping the 55-cap former Reims ace beyond this summer feels increasingly like a pipe dream.
Estadio Deportivo reports that Betis, who recently hired Manuel Pellegrini as their new coach, will need to conjure up a miracle straight out of the Old Testament in order to agree a new contract.
The same publication claimed back in May that Liverpool and Newcastle are keeping tabs on Mandi, who could be available for a bargain £10 million.
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