Arrived on Wednesday Saint-Etienne, Eliaquim Mangala has still not signed for ASSE. And his signature is not yet fully acquired. Explanations.
Mangala arrived in Saint-Etienne on Wednesday
Eliaquim Mangala will not be on the derby match sheet between AS Saint-Etienne and Olympique Lyonnais on Friday (9 p.m.), at the start of the 22nd day of Ligue 1. However, the French central defender is well present in the Forez.
Back from Miami, the 30-year-old arrived in Saint-Etienne on Wednesday to finalize discussions with the Saint-Etienne leaders. But last night, while he was doing laps under the eyes of coach Pascal Dupraz, the French international had still not officially signed up with ASSE, and will therefore not be qualified in time for the derby. .
New physical tests
The reason for this delay? After the Joris Gnagnon episode, who arrived out of form at the end of November, the Greens no longer wish to take the slightest risk. And as the last complete match of the Habs, free since the end of his contract in June with FC Valence, dates back to January 17, 2021 against Alcorcon (2-0), in the King’s Cup, the Saint-Etienne leaders want to have more certainty on his physical condition.
According to L’Equipe, Saint-Etienne want Mangala to pass another round of physical tests this Thursday morning before signing him on a six-month lease. If all goes well, the former Manchester City player will join the Forz club in the evening. It will therefore be too late for the LFP to approve its contract before the clash against OL, as ASSE hoped at the start in this case.
Debut in the Coupe de France?
The player trained in Belgium will not be qualified for the trip to the Verts Angers next Wednesday, as part of a late match of the 20th day. He will therefore have to wait until January 30, and an 8th final of the Coupe de France against Bergerac (N2), to hope to make his debut in the green jersey. Provided, therefore, that everything goes well during his tests this morning.
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