Things are looking up for Valencia. The club have been on a good run of form and have raced away from worries about a relegation battle. In 12th position, they’re still much lower than they’d hope to be but it no longer feels like Valencia are on a slippery slope to oblivion.
A big part of the recent upturn in fortunes has been Eliaquim Mangala, on loan from Manchester City. In February, Mangala was consistently very good for Valencia and rounded that off on Tuesday night with a good defensive display and the only goal of the game against Leganes.
It’s positive news for Manchester City. Whilst Pep Guardiola doesn’t often change his mind, so Mangala’s days at City are likely over, the club will want to recoup what they can for the Frenchman.
At the end of January it was reported in Spain that Valencia almost certainly wouldn’t use their €18m buying option for Mangala. Even up to that point the Manchester City owned player had been a good recruit, but it was just too much money.
On top of the fee, Valencia would have to get close to Mangala’s wages and the whole thing looked a stretch too far. Should the defender continue his current form until the end of the season then it’s got to be considered likely Valencia will jump through hoops to get a deal done.
Mangala himself could also make more of a personal effort on wages, enthused by his own good form and the club dragging itself out of football hell.
Manchester City won’t be too fussed where Mangala goes, as long as it’s not to a direct rival, and right now their chances of a reasonable transfer fee are certainly looking up.
