Everton FC has made a significant move to strengthen their midfield by agreeing to sign Lyon midfielder Orel Mangala on a one-year loan deal with an option to buy for €40m. This signing comes as a welcome boost for the Toffees, who have been searching for a suitable replacement for Amadou Onana, who left for Aston Villa earlier in the transfer window.
Mangala, 26, brings a wealth of experience to the Premier League, having previously played for Nottingham Forest, where he made 53 appearances. His ability to play as a deep-lying midfielder will provide Everton manager Sean Dyche with another option in the engine room, alongside Idrissa Gueye, Tim Iroegbunam, and James Garner.
The Belgian midfielder has impressive statistics to back up his signing. Last season, he ranked in the 81st percentile for interceptions and clearances, demonstrating his ability to read the game and win the ball back. Additionally, he completed 88% of his passes, including 77.3% of his long passes, showcasing his vision and distribution. Mangala also won 56% of his aerial duels, highlighting his physicality and ability to compete in the air.
Mangala’s signing is a positive move for Everton, who have missed out on other midfield targets like Jean Cajuste, Kalvin Phillips, and Sofyan Amrabat. The Toffees were reportedly interested in signing Amrabat from Manchester United, but the deal proved too difficult, leading them to turn their attention to Mangala.
The loan deal with an option to buy gives Everton flexibility and allows them to assess Mangala’s suitability for the Premier League before committing to a permanent transfer. If Mangala impresses, Everton can exercise the option to buy, securing his services on a long-term basis.
Mangala’s arrival will provide competition for places in the midfield and give Dyche more options when selecting his starting lineup. His ability to play in different roles will also provide versatility, allowing Dyche to experiment with different formations and tactics.
The signing of Mangala is a testament to Everton’s ambition and desire to strengthen their squad. Despite missing out on other targets, the Toffees have moved quickly to secure the services of a talented midfielder who can make an immediate impact.
In conclusion, the signing of Orel Mangala is a positive move for Everton FC, providing them with a talented midfielder who can strengthen their squad. His experience, statistics, and versatility make him an attractive addition to the Toffees’ midfield, and his arrival will undoubtedly give manager Sean Dyche more options when selecting his starting lineup.