Nobel Mendy set for Barcelona medical in last twist before Rangers transfer
Rangers are finally closing in on the signing of Real Betis defender Nobel Mendy this summer.
Mendy has caught the eye while playing for Betis’ B team, but is ready for first-team action, and Russell Martin can offer that after a long-winded approach.
Martin has so far been unimpressed with his defence this season, with new signing Nasser Djiga getting a red card in their latest Scottish Premiership draw with Dundee.
A move for Mendy has now taken another twist, with Gers supporters waiting for the move to be announced ahead of some key fixtures.
Mendy’s medical tests will take place in Barcelona
A fee has been agreed between the Scottish Premiership side and Real Betis, and Mendy is now set for his medical with the Light Blues.
Given that the Rangers team will be in the Czech Republic preparing for Tuesday’s game with Viktoria Plzen, it was questioned whether the 20-year-old would undergo a medical in Glasgow.
It has now been reported by Sacha Tavolieri on X that Mendy’s medical tests will finally take place in Barcelona and not in Scotland on Wednesday, 13 August.
- Mendy made two appearances in La Liga last season for Betis
- He also has two UEFA Europa Conference League appearances to his name
- Yet to earn a cap for the Senegal national team
The Gers will reportedly pay £2.5million with a 20 per cent clause on any profit from a future sale.
The move makes sense given that Martin’s side are in no rush to get the Senegal star up and running, with their next training session expected to be later this week.
How do John Souttar and Mendy compare?
Given Mendy’s imminent arrival, it remains to be seen what that means for John Souttar’s future.
The Scotsman is a lot slower and struggles with the ball at his feet compared to his defensive counterpart, but he equally adds more physicality.
Martin looks to be putting his own stamp on the team this summer, and so far, it hasn’t prevailed, but losing Souttar could possibly be damaging.
The inexperience of Djiga has so far been on display for all to see, and should Martin thrust Mendy straight into the starting lineup, the same mistakes could crop up.
This project will take time, but you rarely get that in Govan.
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