The word mystery is one that seems to pop up when discussing the career of Eliaquim Mangala.
For example, it was a mystery why Manchester City elected to pay £40m for him back in 2014, even if he had been starring for Porto.
It was likewise a mystery why Everton elected to sign him on loan in January 2018, and now, people are asking the same question about Valencia.
The defender returned to the club this summer, having spent a season on loan with them back in 2016 after Manchester City agreed to let him go on a free.
However, he’s yet to make an appearance for the La Liga side, and Marca have covered the situation today.
They say his move to the club is a ‘true mystery’ as the Frenchman ‘remains a ghost’ for the club.
Neither Marcelino or his successor Albert Celades, have given him a chance. Last time around he didn’t even make the squad list for the clash with Athletic Bilbao, despite the fact Valencia had five players out injured.
Mangala has been missing from the last seven consecutive selections, but nobody is providing any reason as to why.
At first, it was claimed it was because Mangala wasn’t fit, which made sense given he hadn’t been playing at Manchester City and was still recovering from a knee ligament injury he picked up while on loan at Everton.
However, Valencia boss Celades has now confirmed he no longer has a ‘medical problem’, now saying Mangala’s absence is a ‘technical decision’, which could mean anything.
Mangala must be wondering why he bothered making the switch; it seems his hopes of reviving his career at Valencia are quickly going down the pan.
