Watford have secured the signing of Senegal international Nampalys Mendy on a free transfer following his departure from RC Lens this summer.
The 32-year-old defensive midfielder is set to sign a one-year deal with the Championship side, with an option for a further season.
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Mendy will undergo his medical on Wednesday before completing the move.
The transfer marks a return to English football for Mendy, who previously spent seven years at Leicester City.
During his time at the King Power Stadium, he lifted the FA Cup in 2021 under Brendan Rodgers, playing a key role in a midfield unit that often had to contend with intense Premier League pressure.
Mendy began his professional career at AS Monaco, making his debut in 2010 before moving to Nice, where he established himself as a reliable and disciplined midfielder.
His performances earned him a transfer to Leicester in 2016.
After his contract expired at the Foxes in 2023, he returned to Ligue 1 with RC Lens.
However, his stay in northern France was short-lived, with the player opting to move on this summer in search of a new challenge.
At international level, Mendy represented France at youth level before committing to Senegal in 2021.
He was part of the squad that clinched the Africa Cup of Nations title in Cameroon in 2021, the first in Senegal’s history.
He also featured for the Lions of Teranga at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, underlining his importance as an experienced figure within Aliou Cissé’s team.
Watford will hope Mendy’s arrival adds both stability and leadership to their midfield as they look to push for promotion back to the Premier League.
His ability to break up play, dictate tempo and provide balance between defence and attack is expected to prove valuable for a squad seeking greater consistency.
Mendy’s experience across top European leagues and international tournaments gives him the pedigree to become a central figure in Watford’s campaign.
The Hornets, who continue to rebuild under pressure to return to the top flight, will see his signing as a statement of intent in the current transfer window.
For Mendy, the move represents both a return to familiar territory and an opportunity to extend his career at a competitive level in English football.
At 32, he brings with him not only the know-how of a seasoned midfielder but also the winning mentality of a player who has succeeded at both club and international stage.
