Everton Football Club is on the cusp of a significant transfer move, as they edge closer to signing Orel Mangala from French giants Lyon. The 26-year-old Belgian midfielder has been a target for the Toffees, and a verbal agreement has been reached for a one-year loan deal with an option to buy for €40 million.
Mangala’s potential arrival at Goodison Park is a major boost for Everton manager Sean Dyche, who has been looking to strengthen his squad after a disappointing start to the season. The signing of Mangala would not only add depth to the midfield but also provide a new dimension to the team’s playing style.
The Belgian midfielder has a reputation for being a stylish operator, comfortable receiving the ball from defenders and playing probing passes between the lines. His press-resistant qualities would also appeal to an Everton side that struggled to keep the ball in their 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Mangala’s departure from Lyon has been confirmed by head coach Pierre Sage, who revealed that the midfielder did not train with the rest of the squad on Wednesday as a precautionary measure to avoid injury ahead of his potential move to Everton.
The signing of Mangala is part of a larger overhaul of the club, with American businessman John Textor set to take over. Textor has lined up a deal for Mangala, and his investment could provide the financial backing for Everton to sign more players in the future.
Textor’s takeover is seen as a positive move for the club, providing much-needed stability and financial security. The American businessman has a proven track record of success in football, and his involvement could be the catalyst for Everton’s resurgence.
However, not all players are set to stay at Everton, with Neal Maupay potentially leaving the club before the transfer deadline. Maupay was left out of the squad for the Carabao Cup match against Doncaster Rovers, and Dyche hinted that a departure is still possible.
Maupay’s future at the club has been uncertain for some time, and his exclusion from the squad has fueled speculation about his potential exit. While Dyche did not rule out the possibility of Maupay staying, it seems likely that the striker will be leaving Goodison Park in the near future.
In contrast, Mangala’s arrival would be a significant step forward for the club. The Belgian midfielder has a wealth of experience, having played for Anderlecht, Borussia Dortmund, Hamburg, and Stuttgart before joining Lyon in January.
Mangala’s international career has also been impressive, with 19 caps for Belgium. His experience and quality would make him an excellent addition to the Everton squad, and his signing could be the catalyst for a successful season.
Overall, the potential signing of Orel Mangala is a major boost for Everton Football Club. With Textor’s investment and Dyche’s management, the Toffees may be able to turn their season around and achieve their goals. The signing of Mangala would be a significant step forward for the club, providing a new dimension to the team’s playing style and adding depth to the midfield.