His future has been uncertain all summer, and we could be about to get a conclusion on where this player’s future might lie…
Eliaquim Mangala’s future has been the topic hot debate over the course of the summer, with the 25-year-old defender struggling since joining Manchester City in 2014.
Under Manuel Pellegrini, he was unable to hold down a regular first team spot, and often only ever got game time when the Etihad boss had no other choice.
The jury was still out on the Frenchman when Guardiola joined the club, and people were unsure whether the new City boss would fancy him; and after several months – it looks like we finally have answer to that question.
According to Sky Sports, Napoli are in talks over a deal for the defender, with a potential loan deal being discussed. They also add that they expect the defender to leave the club in some capacity this summer.
Mangala has failed to make any of the match day squads at City so far this season, which suggests that he does not feature in Guardiola’s long-term plans.
The signing of John Stones has also catapulted him down the pecking order at the club, with the English defender going straight into the City first team.
The impending return of Vincent Kompany will likely further reduce his game too.
New arrivals in the heart of the Manchester City defence won’t do anything to help out the defender, as this table, courtesy of who scored.com, confirms…
In each of his two season’s with Manchester City, Mangala failed to hold down a spot in the first team, failing to start any more than 24 games per Premier League season.
Since that point the City defence has grown stronger, with the signings of Stones, Otamendi and the return to fitness of Vincent Kompany.
Man City fans – How would you feel about a Mangala departure?
Let us know below!