Eliaquim Mangala to Newcastle United – Why signing the Manchester City outcast could be a game-changing move
Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Manchester City misfit Eliaquim Mangala and are keen on completing a loan deal for him before the ongoing January window slams shut. With French centre-back Aymeric Laporte having joined the cash-rich club for £57m, it does make sense for Pep Guardiola to let Mangala leave. If he stays back, it will only push him further below the pecking order and that would not help anybody.
The 26-year-old does not lack talent and he was quite a force to be reckoned with during his time at Porto. He has just failed to make things work for him at City but he did put in some decent displays in a loan spell with Spanish club Valencia last season. Given the dire situation Newcastle are in right now, he could definitely boost squad depth and help them fight to preserve their top-flight status beyond the end of the season.
As far as his City career is concerned, there seems to be no hope for him at the Etihad Stadium at present. In fact, he might be looking to exit the club permanently once this potential loan deal comes to an end. Moving to St. James’ Park will undoubtedly provide greater chances for the defender but signing him is unlikely to bode well for the fans, who have been crying out for a new striker.
The Magpies have endured a rather frustrating transfer window so far. They have failed to make any significant signings and have only secured a loan deal for Chelsea starlet Kenedy. Despite starting the current season on a very strong note, Newcastle currently find themselves at 15th spot and are merely one point away from the drop zone. This does paint a worrisome prospect for the club and they must do all they can to secure a higher-placed finish.
The Newcastle move would mean that he will have to compete with the likes of Ciaran Clark, Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune and Chancel Mbemba but given his calibre, Mangala could prove to be quite a clever signing. The club’s attack has been poor but their defence has been even worse.
For example, Newcastle have conceded a whopping 7 goals in their last 3 games and they are in dire need of strengthening their forces to ensure they can rectify their leaky defence. Although Mangala has a less-than-ideal reputation, he certainly has the required experience to make a difference and could ultimately be a game-changing signing for Rafa Benitez’s squad.