AFCON winner attracts Lyon interest

Aissa Mandi of Algeria during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Semifinals match between Algeria and Nigeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 14 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Bertin Basson

Saturday May 09, 2020. 14:00

Africa Cup of Nations champion Aïssa Mandi has attracted reported interest from French Ligue 1 club Lyon.

According to L’Equipe, the Algeria international is part of a four man transfer shortlist including Robson Bambu of Athletico Paranaense, Merih Demiral of Juventus and Marash Kumbulla of Hellas Verona.

Lyon are reportedly eager to strengthen their central defence and Mandi, who has been a regular for Real Betis in the Spanish LaLiga this season, has attracted their attention.

The 28-year-old has been with the Spanish club since 2016 following five years as part of Reims’ first team where he made 169 appearances.

Mandi has made 55 appearances for Algeria and played in six of his country’s seven games at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations; including their 1-0 win over Senegal in the final.

Lyon finished the 2019-20 French Ligue 1 season in seventh place on the log standings with the campaign having been cut short due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.