Hull City complete club-record signing of Nobel Mendy

Hull City confirmed the signing of defender Nobel Mendy from Rayo Vallecano on 12 August 2026, with the club saying the transfer set a new club record. The 21-year-old centre-back has agreed a five-year contract with an option for a further year.
Hull did not disclose the exact fee but said it exceeds the "£20m plus add-ons" paid earlier this month for Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis from Olympiacos, surpassing the club’s previous record of £13m for Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason in 2016. The transfer was announced by the club on 12 August 2026 and completes Mendy’s move to the Championship side on a long-term deal.
Senegal international Mendy said: "I am very happy to be here and very proud to be here as well." He added: "I am a very athletic player, and I am a defender at heart. I also really enjoy the game and coming out from the back cleanly and aggressively when needed." Mendy finished his statement with: "I have wanted to play in the Premier League since I was little, so it's a great challenge to face and I am ready for it."
Mendy began his career at Paris FC before moving to Spain, where he spent a season with Rayo Vallecano. During that lone La Liga campaign he scored twice in 28 games, with his final appearance for the club coming in the Conference League final defeat by Crystal Palace.
Before his spell at Rayo, Mendy reached the Conference League final last year with Real Betis, losing to Chelsea. He has won one cap for Senegal; his only appearance came in March against The Gambia.
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