“Rangers STORM Barcelona for SHOCK Transfer Coup – Medicals Booked, Deal DONE!”
Rangers set to seal summer deal for Real Betis defender Nobel Mendy.
Mendy has impressed with Betis’ B team and is now prepared to make the step up to senior football — something Russell Martin can offer after a patient pursuit.
The Rangers boss has been dissatisfied with his defensive options this season, particularly after new signing Nasser Djiga was sent off in their latest Scottish Premiership draw with Dundee.
A deal for Mendy has taken another turn, with Gers fans awaiting confirmation ahead of key upcoming fixtures.
The Scottish Premiership side and Real Betis have agreed a £2.5 million fee, plus a 20% sell-on clause for any profit from a future transfer.
Mendy is now set for his medical, which will take place in Barcelona rather than Glasgow on Wednesday, 13 August, according to Sacha Tavolieri on X.
The change in location is due to Rangers’ squad being in the Czech Republic preparing for their Champions League qualifier against Viktoria Plzen.
The 20-year-old defender featured twice in La Liga last season for Betis and also made two appearances in the UEFA Europa Conference League. He has yet to earn a senior cap for Senegal.
Martin’s side are not rushing him into action, with their next training session not scheduled until later in the week.
Mendy’s arrival raises questions about the future of John Souttar. While the Scotland international offers greater physical presence, he is slower and less comfortable in possession compared to the Senegalese defender.
Martin appears intent on reshaping the back line in his own image, but results so far have not reflected his vision.
Losing Souttar could prove risky, especially given Djiga’s lack of experience, which has already been evident.
If Martin throws Mendy straight into the starting XI, there’s a danger that similar errors might surface while he adjusts to Scottish football.
This transfer is part of a broader rebuild that Martin is overseeing — one that will require time to bear fruit.
However, patience is often in short supply at Ibrox, where expectations are always high and pressure is constant.
Mendy’s potential is clear, but integrating him effectively will be crucial if Rangers are to tighten up defensively and push for honours this season.
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