Rangers target young La Liga centre-back

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Rangers have reportedly entered the race to sign Nobel Mendy, a highly regarded 20-year-old central defender currently contracted to La Liga side Real Betis.

According to the Spanish transfer news outlet eldesmarque.com, the Scottish Premiership club have shown increasing interest in the Senegalese youngster, who was signed on a permanent basis by Betis during the summer transfer window of 2024.

Mendy spent the majority of last season honing his skills with Betis’ reserve team, gaining valuable match experience in the competitive environment of Spanish football’s lower tiers.

However, he also made a notable breakthrough into the first team under the stewardship of Manuel Pellegrini, featuring five times across all competitions.

These senior appearances have demonstrated his potential to compete at the highest level and have not gone unnoticed by scouts and clubs across Europe.

Among those monitoring his progress are Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven and fellow La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano.

PSV in particular have been strongly linked with a move for Mendy, but as transfer insider Matteo Moretto revealed, negotiations between the clubs have hit a stumbling block due to bureaucratic issues, putting the deal on hold for the time being.


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This unexpected delay has opened the door for alternative suitors to make their move, with Rangers emerging as one of the frontrunners for Mendy’s signature.

The Glasgow club’s board, together with newly appointed head coach Russell Martin, are understood to be actively seeking to strengthen their defensive ranks ahead of the upcoming season.

Mendy, with his blend of youthful energy and experience gained in a top European league, fits the profile of the type of player Rangers want to bring in.

Securing Mendy would provide Rangers not only with a talented central defender but also with a player who could develop into a long-term asset for the club.

As the summer transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on how this potential deal unfolds, with the possibility that Rangers could beat off competition to land one of Spain’s most promising defensive prospects.