Liverpool have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Barcelona defender Yerry Mina, with Sport revealing that Real Betis could agree a loan deal for the 23-year-old. Diario Gol reported last month that Liverpool were close to signing Mina on loan this summer, but it appears the young centre-back will be plying his trade at the Estadio Benito Villamarín over Anfield.
Mina joined Barcelona from Palmeiras in January and has gone on to make six appearances in all competitions for the Catalan giants. The Colombian international, who has racked up 12 caps for his country, won the Liga title and Copa Del Rey in his debut season with Barca but is expected to leave on loan for more playing time elsewhere.
With Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti forming a potent defensive partnership and Clement Lenglet set to sign from Sevilla, Mina has little chance of getting regular first-team football at the Camp Nou. Liverpool wanted to capitalise on the situation by bringing the South American defender to Merseyside, but Jurgen Klopp may have to turn his attentions elsewhere.
Betis’ vice president Serra Ferrer and Barcelona’s managing director Pep Segura reportedly have a good relationship which could be bad news for Liverpool’s hopes of signing Mina.