Rangers Plotting Move For This La Liga Defender: Why They Need Him At Ibrox | OneFootball

If the reports from Spain (as quoted by The Daily Record) are believed to be true, Rangers are leading the race for Nobel Mendy ahead of a potential summer move. But they are not alone in the race, with Spanish outfit Rayo Vallecano and Club Brugge from Belgium also keeping close tabs on the Real Betis defender.

The 20-year-old Senegalese prospect began his journey with Guédiawaye back in his homeland before plying his trade in France. He then had youth stints with SPN Vernon, Pacy Ménilles RC, FC Mantois, and Paris FC. After making strides through the reserves of the Parisians, the youngster was also handed his senior debut by the then-Ligue 2 outfit.

Meanwhile, the La Liga side Real Betis tied him down on loan a couple of summers ago. Mendy impressed for the Betis Deportivo Balompié in the fourth tier of Spanish football, and the Verdiblancos made the move permanent last year for a fee in the region of €900k.

Why Rangers Should Step Up The Chase For This Left-footed Defender

However, Mendy continued to feature for their reserves except for five senior appearances in the 2024-25 season. He should aim for a fresh challenge for regular game time, and Rangers, despite snapping up two new centre-backs in Nasser Djiga and Manny Fernandez, have reasons to chase the young ace over the other targets.

MADRID, SPAIN – MAY 18: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid battles for possession with Nobel Mendy of Real Betis during the La Liga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Betis Balompie at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on May 18, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The Gers have parted ways with veteran defensive duo Leon Balogun and Robin Propper. A move for Conor Coady did not materialise either, thus leaving Russell Martin with John Souttar as the only experienced centre-half. Leon King, Clinton Nsiala, and Ben Davies do not belong to the manager’s plan and are expected to part ways either on loan or a permanent transfer.

Although James Tavernier was deployed as a makeshift centre-back on a few occasions, Martin is forced to work with four right-footed central defenders, including the club skipper. His experience could help him slot in deep defence, making way for Max Aarons down the right.

While the lack of first-team involvement could be a downside for Mendy, he would offer a better balance in the gaffer’s defensive unit due to his naturally left-sided nature. The Betis prodigy has a very high ceiling and was close to joining PSV Eindhoven earlier this window. But the Dutch giants failed to register him for exceeding their quota for foreign recruits, therefore, presenting an opportunity to Rangers to pursue their interest.