Levante brings in Aïssa Mandi under Luis Castro's direction
Aïssa Mandi, the Algerian centre‑back who returned from the World Cup, is already training with Levante. The defender reported to the Sports City and, according to the official statement, has placed himself at the disposal of coach Luis Castro for league‑preparation work.
What does his arrival mean for the Granota defence?
Mandi adds international experience and solidity to the back line. After his stint with Algeria, he arrives during pre‑season, just as the side seeks to tighten a defence that conceded 50 goals last season. His presence could help cut that number, as Levante aims to improve a goal difference currently at –15.
How does he fit into Luis Castro's training plan?
The manager has scheduled intensive sessions until Friday at the Sports City, aiming to fine‑tune tactics before Saturday’s friendly at 10:00 a.m. against Albacete Balompié. Mandi already took part in the week’s first session, indicating Castro trusts his quick adaptation to the team’s style.
What’s next for Levante in pre‑season?
After training, the next test will be the friendly versus Albacete, a key opportunity to assess squad cohesion. With the pre‑season calendar set, Levante will look to sharpen its play before the official campaign, where the 2025 final table left them 19th with 29 points and a recent WLWDD run.
Current club context
Levante finished the 2025 season in 19th place in La Liga, with 7 wins, 8 draws and 16 losses, gathering 29 points. They scored 35 goals and allowed 50, sitting 15 goals behind the league average. The team trails leaders Barcelona by 50 points, and will face them away on 2027‑02‑21. These figures highlight the need to reinforce the defence, and Mandi’s signing directly addresses that urgency.
What does this signing mean for fans?
Levante supporters can anticipate greater defensive stability and the chance to see Mandi on the pitch soon. His experience in international tournaments adds value to the squad, and his early integration suggests he will be a key figure in the push to improve the club’s standing in the upcoming season.
