La Liga outfit Real Betis are bidding an emotional farewell to reported Liverpool target Aissa Mandi as the long-serving defender becomes a free agent.
Things have changed quickly at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Betis were treading water at the wrong end of the table during a miserable start to the campaign but, thanks to a superb run of form between January to May, the Andalusian giants will be playing continental football in 2021/22.
Talk about a turnaround.
A 3-2 win at Celta Vigo this weekend means Manuel Pellegrini’s expensively assembled squad finished, well, where they really should be finishing; sixth place, just a point behind Real Sociedad, and destined for a spot in the Europa League.
29-year-old Mandi will not be sticking around for those Thursday night trips to the far-flung corners of the continent, however.
But will the Algeria international have that iconic Champions League anthem ringing in his ears instead?
Estadio Deportivo reported in April that Mandi was dreaming of a move to Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp’s side long-time admirers of an experienced, versatile defender who blossomed into a real leader in the green and white of Betis.
His destination remains a mystery for now, with Inter Milan and Villarreal also linked. What is certain, however, is that Mandi’s 167th La Liga appearance in Real Betis colours was also his last.
“We will miss you, friend,” Mexican winger Diego Lainez wrote on Instagram, via ABC de Sevilla.
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