Eliaquim Mangala is currently a free agent after being released by AS Saint-Etienne this summer, but he’s holding out hope of landing himself a good move despite his career spiralling after leaving Manchester City.
The 31-year-old joined City for £40.5m in 2014 and made 79 appearances in all competitions before being released at the end of his contract in 2019. He would go on to play for Valencia and St Etienne before finding himself a free agent again.
Mangala suffered from a lack of form, fitness and playing time at the Etihad Stadium and will be remembered as an expensive flop by supporters, but he’s backing himself to confound his critics.
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He told L’Equipe in a recent interview: “When they call me, I will be ready. I know my value, I know my level. In Saint-Etienne, without preparation, I chained fifteen matches together without injury. Now I just have to find the right place.”
The French international made 54 appearances for Valencia (2019 – 2021) before being released after two years. He made 15 appearances for St Etienne (2022) but didn’t do enough to warrant a long-term deal beyond the summer.
Mangala was one of City’s expensive transfers when he signed from FC Porto, but the Sky Blues couldn’t find a suitor when they deemed him surplus to requirements, so he’s one of the biggest losses on record.
Injuries have hampered his playing time in recent years, so it remains to be seen which club will take a punt on him next. Mangala has played in the Belgian First Division A, Portuguese Primeira Liga, Premier League, La Liga and Ligue 1, so he’s very versatile. But can he stay fit in the eve of his career?
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