Rangers are closing in on signing Nobel Mendy from Real Betis, with the fee reportedly sorted. Here’s what’s happening ¹ ²:
– Transfer Details: The Scottish giants have agreed on a deal worth around £5 million with Real Betis for the 20-year-old Senegalese defender. Mendy has already committed to a four-year contract with Rangers, pending a medical.
– Competition: Rangers beat off competition from La Liga side Rayo Vallecano and had exclusive talks with Betis after Mendy decided he wanted to join the Gers.
– Player Background: Mendy began his career at Paris FC and joined Betis on loan before signing permanently. However, he hasn’t made an impact on the Spanish side’s first team, with only six appearances.
– Rangers’ Motivation: The signing is part of Russell Martin’s defensive overhaul, aiming to strengthen the squad. Mendy’s versatility as a left-back or center-back offers potential, but his limited senior experience raises concerns about his readiness for the Scottish Premiership.

Other Rangers Transfer News

– Josh Mulligan: Rangers were previously reported to be close to signing Dundee midfielder Josh Mulligan, who was undergoing a medical at Ibrox. However, there’s no update on the status of this potential transfer.
– Ridvan Yilmaz: The Turkish left-back is reportedly closing in on a move away from Rangers, with Besiktas pushing for the transfer. This has accelerated Rangers’ pursuit of Kassoum Ouattara, a Monaco left-back.
– Hamza Igamane: Rangers are demanding £20 million for the forward, with Everton joining the race to sign him. The Gers want to spark a bidding war to drive up his price tag.

Impact on Rangers Squad

– Defensive Options: Mendy’s signing would add to Rangers’ defensive options, competing with existing center-backs like Ben Davies, John Souttar, Leon King, and Clinton Nsiala.
– Competition for Places: With multiple signings, some players might face competition for their spots, potentially leading to departures or loan moves.
– Squad Strength: Rangers are looking to strengthen their squad, particularly in defense, to improve their performance in the upcoming season ¹ ³ ².