Liverpool should look at bargain Aissa Mandi again as perfect centre-back solution

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Liverpool are said to be considering a move for a new centre-back in January, with Virgil van Dijk injured until the end of the season. Whilst youngsters Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips have impressed in the Dutchman’s absence, the Reds are seemingly in the hunt for a new recruit to help them at the back. 

Of course, Liverpool will not want to spend big on any new recruit, so is a lapsed summer target perhaps their best option.

Liverpool were heavily linked with a move for Real Betis defender Aissa Mandi throughout the summer period. 

As reported by Cadena COPE, Liverpool made a £9 million bid for the Algerian, hoping to get him on the cheap with his contract expiring in 12 months’ time. 

Betis stood by their asking price for the player and no deal could be reached. 

Now, with his contract still expiring, Betis are unlikely to reject any similar approach, and Mandi, on an 18-month contract for example, could be the perfect cover for Van Dijk at the back for Liverpool. 

The 29-year-old, who was sent off in this weekend’s losing effort against Barcelona in La Liga, is in talks with the Spanish club over extending his deal but, as confirmed by La Razon, those talks have not yet progressed significantly. 

The Betis vice-captain could be an able option at the back and considering his contract status would surely be available at a cut-price fee in January. 

If Liverpool are looking for a decent replacement for Van Dijk, then they should simply check their notes from the summer.