Eliaquim Mangala has certainly been one of Valencia’s better performers this season. On loan from Manchester City, the French defender has been working to rebuild his reputation after a move from FC Porto didn’t work out well.
Marca say Mangala has been one of a few to save Valencia’s season, and there’s been no hard feelings that the defender turned down a move a year earlier, when he didn’t want to be part of the Nicolas Otamendi deal.
The Spanish newspaper say Valencia would pay the €18m Manchester City purchase clause ‘with closed eyes’ if they had the money. However, we’re not so convinced on Valencia’s poverty pleading, they’ve agreed deals for other players, including Simone Zaza, and clearly haven’t prioritised Mangala.
Whether that’s because they feel Manchester City will capitulate and lower the price is unknown, but not buying the player is a far greater risk than using the clause.
Marca have been speaking to Mangala and asked him about his all action displays, putting everything on the line for Valencia, the Manchester City owned defender explained: “I’m 
at Valencia and until the last day I will give everything for the club because I am very grateful, especially to the coaches and my teammates.”
On his situation in the coming window, Mangala said: “Let’s see what will happen at the end of the season. There’s four games left and we’ll see what happens.”
Pep Guardiola may be looking at a different type of central defender, but it’s worth considering Mangala’s form this season.
Manchester City shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a buyer should they wish to sell.
