Hull City land Senegalese and Guinea-Bissau defender Nobel Mendy in €23.4m move

Senegalese and Guinea-Bissau centre-back Nobel Mendy has joined Hull City from Rayo Vallecano for €23.4m, completing a major move to the Premier League club.

The 21-year-old has signed a contract with Hull running until 30 June 2031. Mendy, who stands 1.87m tall and prefers his left foot, strengthens the club’s options in central defence after moving from Spain to England.

Mendy’s transfer follows a second spell with Rayo Vallecano. He initially joined the Spanish club from Real Betis on loan on 20 August 2025, before returning to Betis at the end of the season. Rayo then secured his services permanently on 1 July 2026 for €3.5m, with Hull completing his subsequent move less than six weeks later.

His career record includes 26 La Liga appearances and two goals, along with five appearances in the Conference League. He also played in Spain’s Copa del Rey and the country’s lower divisions, building experience across senior and developmental competitions.

Mendy moved to Real Betis from Betis Deportivo in July 2025 after spending the previous season with the club’s reserve side. He had joined Betis Deportivo from Paris FC in July 2024 for €900,000, having previously progressed through Paris FC’s system after beginning his youth career with Mantois 78.

The defender’s arrival gives Hull a player with experience of top-flight football in Spain and European competition. His move also marks the latest stage of a career that has taken him from French youth football through the professional game in France and Spain.

Mendy completed his €23.4m transfer from Rayo Vallecano to Hull City on 12 August 2026 and is contracted to the club until 2031.