Hull City have confirmed the signing of Senegalese centre-back Nobel Mendy from Rayo Vallecano for a new club record fee ahead of their Premier League debut.
The 21-year-old joins the Tigers on a five-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year should both parties agree.
The undisclosed fee surpasses the £20 million plus add-ons Hull paid earlier this month for Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis from Olympiacos.
Before the Tzolakis deal, Hull’s previous transfer record had stood for a full decade, dating back to the £13 million paid for Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason in 2016.
Mendy started his career at Paris FC before moving to Spain, where he scored twice in 28 La Liga appearances during his sole season with Rayo Vallecano.
His final outing for Rayo came in the Conference League final, which ended in defeat against Crystal Palace, continuing a run of near-misses in European competition.
The young defender had also reached the Conference League final the previous year with Real Betis, only to lose that match against Chelsea.
“I am very happy to be here and very proud to be here as well,” Mendy said, reflecting on his move to the MKM Stadium.
“I am a very athletic player, and I am a defender at heart. I also really enjoy the game and coming out from the back cleanly and aggressively when needed.”
Mendy added that fulfilling a lifelong ambition motivated his decision to move to England, saying: “I have wanted to play in the Premier League since I was little, so it’s a great challenge to face and I am ready for it.”
Hull have also wrapped up the signing of 18-year-old Australia international Lucas Herrington from Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer.
Herrington made two appearances for his country at the World Cup, though his tournament ended painfully when Australia were beaten on penalties by Egypt in the last 32, with the teenager missing a spot-kick.
The young centre-back has signed a five-year deal at Hull, who earned their top-flight promotion by defeating Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final.
“The opportunity to play in the Premier League, one of the best leagues in the world, is a dream come true,” Herrington said after completing his move.
“I’ve woken up at all hours in the morning in Australia to watch these games. To be a part of it is so special.”
Herrington rounded off his arrival statement with a clear sense of ambition: “I’m here to work hard and hopefully get a lot of games in the Premier League.”
With two centre-backs now secured alongside goalkeeper Tzolakis, Hull are building a defensively solid foundation for their return to the Premier League.
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