Mangala's career takes bizarre turn as he joins Bolivian side Oriente Petrolero
Former Man City and Valencia defender Eliaquim Mangala has made a surprise move to Bolivia, joining Oriente Petrolero in one of the transfer window's most unexpected deals.
Former Premier League defender has shocked the football world by swapping European football for the Bolivian top flight at the age of 34.
From Manchester to Santa Cruz
Eliaquim Mangala, once a £32 million signing for Manchester City, has completed what might be the most random transfer of his career by joining Bolivian outfit Oriente Petrolero. The French central defender arrived in Santa Cruz this Tuesday with lofty ambitions despite the club’s recent struggles.
Mangala expressed his delight at joining a team that “has history” and boasts a passionate fanbase. For a player who’s graced the Premier League and La Liga, this South American adventure represents quite the career swerve.
Career rollercoaster
It’s been a proper journey for the big man:
- Started at Standard Liège in 2008
- Made his name at Porto before Manchester City splashed the cash
- Struggled to live up to his price tag in England
- Had stints at Valencia and Everton
- Later represented Saint-Étienne and Portugal’s Estoril Praia
Lest we forget, Mangala was once considered good enough to make France’s 2014 World Cup squad and their Euro 2016 team. Now he’s swapped the bright lights of Europe for Bolivia’s Division Profesional.
Ambitious goals
Mangala isn’t just in Bolivia for a holiday. The Frenchman has made it clear he wants to help Oriente Petrolero return to continental competitions. The club finished a disappointing 12th in the 16-team Bolivian top flight last season, missing out on qualification for both the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana.
The last time they competed in South America’s premier club competition was back in 2018, while their most recent Sudamericana appearance came in 2023.
With their last domestic title coming in the 2010 Clausura, Oriente will be hoping Mangala’s experience can help end their trophy drought. The defender will work under recently appointed Spanish coach David González, who replaced Víctor Hugo Andrada.
It’s certainly not the career path many would have predicted for Mangala when he was mixing it with the big boys in Manchester, but you’ve got to admire his sense of adventure. This one’s definitely going in the Barney Rubble of unexpected transfers!