Mangala Rejects Valencia Loan Amid Manchester City’s Pursuit of Otamendi
Eliaquim Mangala has turned down the chance to join Valencia on loan, opting instead to fight for his place at Manchester City despite a difficult debut season.
The Franco-Congolese defender, who joined City in 2014 for a staggering €53.8 million—a record fee for a defender at the time—endured a challenging campaign as he struggled to find consistency in the Premier League.
With City pushing to sign Argentine centre-back Nicolás Otamendi from Valencia, Mangala was offered as a potential makeweight in the deal. However, according to L’Équipe, the 24-year-old responded decisively, rejecting the move without hesitation.
“Eliaquim was obviously surprised by the offer,” a close friend of the player told the French daily. “But immediately, without asking for time to reflect, he refused and said he was ready to face the competition.”
Mangala’s decision underscores his determination to succeed at the Etihad Stadium, despite speculation over his future and mounting pressure from potential new arrivals.
City’s interest in Otamendi remains strong, with British media reporting that the Premier League club may need to pay as much as €45 million to secure the Valencia defender’s services. Talks are believed to be ongoing, but Mangala’s stance suggests he will not be part of any swap deal.
As the new season approaches, City manager Manuel Pellegrini faces a defensive conundrum, with Mangala keen to prove himself and Otamendi still firmly on the radar.
