Belgian-Congolese midfielder Orel Mangala joins Getafe on loan from Lyon

Belgium midfielder of Congolese descent, Orel Mangala, has joined Spanish side Getafe on a season-long loan from French club Lyon.

The 28-year-old’s move was confirmed by both clubs as Lyon continue efforts to reduce the size of their squad and lower their wage bill.

Getafe will contribute towards Mangala’s wages during his temporary spell in La Liga, while the midfielder remains under contract with Lyon until 2028.

Mangala leaves after difficult Lyon spell

Mangala joined Lyon from Nottingham Forest in 2024, signing a four-year contract with the French club.

However, his time in France has been disrupted by injury, with the midfielder suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury during a loan spell at Everton last year.

The setback limited his involvement and contributed to a difficult period at Lyon.

He will now attempt to revive his career in Spain with Getafe, where he is expected to spend the entire 2026-27 season.

Lyon continue squad reshaping

Mangala’s departure forms part of a wider effort by Lyon to reduce their squad and improve their financial position.

The French club are seeking to move on several players on high salaries, with Mangala among those whose departure is expected to help ease the wage burden.

His exit comes shortly after Lyon’s Champions League qualifying campaign suffered a setback, with the French side losing the first leg of their third qualifying-round tie away to Sparta Prague.

Getafe offer fresh opportunity

For Mangala, the move to Getafe provides an opportunity to return to regular competitive football and rebuild his momentum after an injury-disrupted spell.

The Belgian midfielder will now look to make his mark in La Liga while helping Getafe achieve their ambitions during the new campaign.