Big bullet dodged for Benitez as long-term target proves what a bad signing he could've been for NUFC
Following his deadline day move to Everton, it's fair to say that Eliaquim Mangala's loan move to Merseyside couldn't have gone much worse, making us feel pretty relieved that we didn't end up pulling out all the stops to bring him to NUFC.
Not only did he contributed to Everton conceding SIX goals during his 135 minutes on the pitch for the Blues, but Sam Allardyce has now confirmed he has suffered a 'long-term' knee injury that looks set to keep him out until the end of the season (therefore the entirety of his loan spell).
Here's what ex-NUFC boss Sam Allardyce has had to say on his injury:
"The injuries this week were a blow, with Mangala in particular - that looks like it could be long-term, which is a great shame for him and for us because I think he was a very good addition to us,"
Sky Sports confirmed on the penultimate day of the January window that we had submitted an offer to Manchester City to take the centre-back on loan until the end of the season.
Benitez had made enquiries for the defender over the summer, so the interest seemed genuine, however it quickly transpired that he was all set to make a deadline day move to Everton instead - and he did.
Since then it's hardly gone to plan. Being slated on his debut by Everton fans as they shipped 5 goals at Arsenal, then not even making it to half time in another unconvincing display at home to Palace.
He was a player I was keen for Rafa to sign over the summer, believing that Benitez may have been able to get the best out of Man City's £32m man, however it looks like we were fortunate to 'miss out' on him given how badly his brief spell at Everton has gone!
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