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Journalist states Liverpool’s first transfer of the summer for 55-cap international is ‘very close’

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beIN SPORTS journalist Hafid Derradji believes that Real Betis defender Aissa Mandi is ‘very close’ to moving to Liverpool.

What’s the word?

The Algerian La Liga player has been linked as the prime candidate to step in and become Dejan Lovren’s replacement after the Croatian centre-back moved to Zenit St Petersburg for £10m.

At the age of 28, Mandi is a younger version of Lovren but would not be the blockbuster signing that a segment of the Liverpool supporters will want this summer.

Providing cover for Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, the 55-cap Algeria international would come into the squad with plenty of experience and depth in defence.

With this in mind, one media outlet believes that the move is edging closer to happening, as Derradji tweeted below.

The beIN SPORTS journalist added that there are a few details that need to be rectified before the deal can go through.

Mandi made 29 appearances in Spain’s top tier last season and has scored five times and provided two assists in 141 appearances, playing over 12,000 minutes for Los Verdiblancos, as per TransferMarkt.

Another example of great scouting

Liverpool have been credited over the years over their eye for a player, especially when it comes to individuals that aren’t well known in the footballing world. Andy Robertson is an example of that in recent times.

For sure, Mandi would be an effective back-up player for the Premier League champions. Whether he would be willing to be a fourth-choice defender is another thing.

Should Liverpool sign Aissa Mandi?

Yes

Yes

No

No

In the league this season, he managed to average 2.1 aerial duels won, three clearances, 4.7 long balls and a pass success rate of 89.7%, as per Whoscored.

This tells us that Mandi is a competent defender who could adapt to Jurgen Klopp’s high-line defensive style of play, which would certainly boost the squad’s strength in depth.

The question is whether he could adapt to the speed and the physicality of the Premier League quickly.

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