Why Fulham can strike gold by completing a cut-price deal for this talented Man City star in January

Why Fulham should make a move for Man City star Eliaquim Mangala

Fulham picked up an enthralling first win under new manager Claudio Ranieri after routing Southampton 3-2 at the Craven Cottage this weekend. The Cottagers looked superb going forward and will continue to do so given the Italian coach’s experience and wisdom in the game.

Though they looked lively and electric going forward, the newcomers once again conceded 2 goals and continue to leak at an alarming rate. They have conceded a record-breaking 33 goals in 13 games this season.

Claudio Ranieri definitely has to look at defensive reinforcements when the transfer window reopens in January. Fulham should consider Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala.

According to the Sun, Mangala is out of contract in the summer and has been linked with a move to Serie A outfit Inter Milan. The French centre-back has endured a tough time after making the move to the Premier League a few years ago. He has since been sent on loan spells to Valencia and Everton.

Fulham could certainly use a man like him at the back. Ranieri went for a central defence of Alfie Mawson and Denis Odoi in his first game but there’s no clarity as to whether he’ll stick to the pair in the future.

Mangala is strong, fast and agile for a centre-back. He was prone to making mistakes during his time with the Cityzens but that’s nothing Claudio Ranieri can’t rectify.

Fulham have seen far too many aerial balls threaten their backline this season and the likes of Le Marchand, Mawson and Odoi could do with Mangala’s aerial presence.

The Frenchman is also very good at holding off attackers and has proven to be a tackling machine at times. Aged just 27, Mangala still has great potential and can get better under a manager like Claudio Ranieri. He will also chip in with the odd goal from set-pieces as well.

Read more: Ranieri can easily fix Fulham’s leaky defence by signing this 6ft 5in Serie A star in January

Though he is known to have a slight lack of discipline, Fulham should definitely bring in the Manchester City defender.

The fact that his contract runs out at the end of the season could play into the Cottagers’ hands as they can afford him on a cut-price deal in January. But it is a move the manager must certainly make to shore things up at the back.