Manchester City upgraded its back line in a big way on Monday as the defending Premier League champions have signed Eliaquim Mangala from FC Porto.
Mangala, 23, came close to joining City last January, but has made a permanent move to the Etihad Stadium on a new five-year contract for a transfer fee believed to be in the region of $54 million.
Mangala began his career with Standard Liege in 2008, winning the league in his first season, before joining Porto in 2011. He won two Portuguese titles and made his France debut in a 1-0 defeat by Uruguay in June 2013.
"He has all of the mental, physical, technical and tactical attributes to become one of Europe's very best defenders," said City manager Manuel Pellegrini.
"Eliaquim is a player I believe will make an immediate impact in the Premier League, thanks to his physicality, his reading of the game and quality on the ball. I think he will prove to be a great signing for us."
"City is a top club in Europe," Mangala said. "For me, it was an important step to leave Porto and join Manchester City in order to continue my progress. I want to win titles and I believe I can do this. I am ambitious and this is why I am here."
He becomes City's sixth signing of the summer, joining former Porto teammate Fernando, Frank Lampard, who joined the Citizens on loan from MLS side NYCFC, midfielder Bruno Zuculini, goalkeeper Willy Caballero and former Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna.
[SportsNetwork.com]
