Real Betis’ Nobel Mendy says he handled failed moves to Rangers and PSV Eindhoven well. The defender had opportunities to move to Ibrox, or the Dutch club but both deals collapsed.
The Senegalese has given an interview to Foot Mercato, who pointed out his failed moves to Rangers and PSV last summer.
PSV tried signing Mendy, but the transfer didn’t go through, letting Rangers to then come forward. This was in August 2025, when Danny Röhl’s predecessor, Russell Martin was in charge at Ibrox.
Last August, Sport Witness relayed news that the defender favoured Rangers over Rayo Vallecano. The Ibrox club had reportedly offered €4m to the Andalusian side.
Later that month, we covered claims from Spain that the 21-year-old’s move to Ibrox had collapsed at the final stage. This was because he failed to clear the medical tests with the Scottish club.
Handled Rangers and PSV rejection well
Rangers’ failure reopened the door for Rayo Vallecano, who ended up signing him on loan on August 20th of last year.
On the failed moves to Rangers and the Dutch club, he said: “I was confident in my abilities. I was just waiting for a challenge to demonstrate my qualities.
“I handled this unstable period well and I was simply waiting for an opportunity, and I used it to prepare myself physically.”
The centre-back waited until October to make his debut for the La Liga side. Since then, he’s played 1,460 minutes from 18 matches for Rayo Vallecano.
Mendy staying in Spain and having some French speaking players at Rayo Vallecano helped him adjust quickly at his new club.
“My adaptation to Rayo went very well. I had help from Pathé, whom I already knew. We’re both Senegalese, so that made things easier. There were also French players who helped me, and everyone gave me a very warm welcome,” Mendy explained.
“Since I was already in Spain and spoke Spanish, it was easier. I also had a coach who helped me enormously. He gives me a lot of confidence and that helped me to be decisive quickly.”
Mendy’s contract and value
Rayo Vallecano have secured an option to make his stay permanent after this season. His contract at Real Betis is until 2027, and Transfermarket value him at €6m.
If Rayo Vallecano make his stay permanent, the defender’s valuation would rise further.
In other words, the operation will be more expensive for Rangers, if they decide to return for him in the summer.
