The Manchester City defender would be a useful summer addition to the Southampton squad.
Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk
Saints fans are bracing themselves for another underwhelming transfer window, with arguably their most valuable asset Virgil van Dijk being hotly tipped to be heading for the St Mary’s exit door this summer.
The big Dutchman has been heavily linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs, and with his value being touted in excess of £50 million, it could be hard for Southampton to refuse that kind of cash.
If they do allow Van Dijk to leave, they must have a contingency plan in place, to avoid being left short in the defensive department by the time next season’s Premier League campaign kicks off.
Manchester City’s Eliaquim Mangala
With this in mind, an interesting option for the south coast outfit could be Manchester City centre-back Eliaquim Mangala.
The Frenchman spent the entirety of last season on loan with Valencia, after failing to impress at the Etihad, following his big money move from Porto in the summer of 2014.
The 26 year-old still has a lot to offer at the highest level though, and the opportunity of more regular first-team action with the Saints would surely help him adjust to the robust nature of the English game.
Manchester City’s Eliaquim Mangala in action
Mangala possesses an impressive physique, and is incredibly agile, along with being quick along the ground. He is an expert reader of the game as well.
Despite all of these impressive attributes, he has never really showcased them on a consistent enough basis in the Premier League, and with Pep Guardiola seemingly keen on selling him, Southampton should seize the opportunity of obtaining a top-class defender for minimal cost.
The France international has just two years remaining on his current deal at the Etihad, and City would surely prefer to sell this summer, rather than allow him to enter the final 12 months of his contract next year.
Whilst many Saints fans will be unsure at the wisdom of signing Mangala, after his underwhelming displays during his City career, he still has the ability to become a world-class defender, and at the age of just 26, he has plenty of years ahead of him in which to fulfil his potential.
If Southampton do manage to sign him this summer, there will undoubtedly be a risk attached to the deal, but it could very well turn out to be a real coup.
Manchester City’s Eliaquim Mangala in action
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