Rangers get major Nobel Mendy transfer boost as Jefte exit gathers pace
Rangers have received a major boost in their bid to sign Nobel Mendy from Real Betis.
The Gers have already been busy this summer as they seek to rebuild under new manager Russell Martin, signing 10 players so far — including Mikey Moore on loan from Tottenham.
However, more work is needed if Rangers are to challenge Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title — especially in light of drawing their opening two games of the season and losing the second leg of their Champions League qualifier to Viktoria Plzen.
Sorting out the backline seems to be the next priority, and Rangers’ efforts to sign Mendy have been given a boost.
Rangers given Nobel Mendy boost
According to the Daily Record (14 August), young defender Mendy has missed the latest Rangers training session as his move to Ibrox nears.
The 20-year-old is understood to have also courted interest from Rayo Vallecano, but has his ‘heart set’ on a transfer to Rangers — who are believed to be paying £3.5million for his services.
Mendy is a highly-regarded talent in Spain, but is still very inexperienced, with just nine senior appearances for Betis and Paris FC combined and the majority of his football coming at youth level in the lower leagues.
However, the Senegalese youngster will offer plenty of potential to Martin’s side, not to mention versatility, given he can play as both a centre-back and left-back.
Jefte verbally agrees Rangers exit
Mendy’s ability to play on the flank might give Rangers a boost as they near the completion of the sale of Jefte.
The Brazilian has come under fire for his performances in recent times, with supporters urging Rangers to sell Jefte following the clash with Plzen this week.
The Ibrox faithful’s wish seems to have come true, with UOL reporting (13 August) that Brazilian giants Palmeiras have reached a verbal agreement with Jefte to return to his homeland.
| Rangers stats | Jefte |
| Appearances | 56 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 4 |
Jefte only joined Rangers from Fluminense in the summer of 2024, making 56 appearances for the club so far.
However, the 21-year-old’s time in Scotland has been marked by a number of high-profile errors, including being suspect for both Plzen’s goals on Tuesday.
Rangers will undoubtedly target a natural left-back to replace Jefte but, for now, Mendy could provide some relief in that position.