Reports in Spain have suggested that Aissa Mandi of Real Betis was a central defensive target for West Ham before the signing of Issa Diop this summer.
ABC report that Manuel Pellegrini launched a bid between £10.8m and £13.5m (12m and 15m euros) for the 26-year-old defender during the transfer window.
However, the Hammers missed out because they refused to meet his £26.9m (30m euros) and ended up signing Issa Diop instead. We’ve taken a look at why Mandi was first choice…
How’s he doing this season?
Algerian Mandi is already showing just why West Ham wanted him. After an La Liga opening day defeat to Levante, he has been part of a Betis defence that has kept two clean sheets in a row.
Mandi even set up Joaquin’s winning goal in Betis’ most recent league match, the hotly-contested derby match against Sevilla; who of course knocked Manchester United out of the Champions League last season.
On the other hand, Diop scored an own goal on his Hammers debut, against Arsenal and is yet to be part of a defence that has kept a clean sheet.
Who is the better option?
At the moment, Diop’s inexperience is showing as he is struggling to adapt to the demands of the English game. At five years his senior, Mandi may well have been able to make the jump more smoothly.
The current performances of the two men make it clear why Mandi appeared to be first choice in the summer. It would be a worry for the fans if Pellegrini hasn’t been granted his first choice targets, especially as he seeks to turn the team around.
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