Everton FC is on the verge of signing Orel Mangala from Olympique Lyon, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano. The midfielder has accepted the terms of his initial loan move, which includes an option for Everton to make the deal permanent in the future.
Mangala’s arrival at Goodison Park would be a significant boost for Sean Dyche’s squad, which has struggled to find form in the early stages of the season. The Toffees’ poor start has sparked concerns about relegation, making new additions a necessity.
The 25-year-old Belgian midfielder is known for his versatility, having played in various positions, including defensive midfield, central midfield, and even as a left-back. His ability to adapt to different roles would provide Dyche with valuable options in terms of team selection.
Mangala’s signing would also address the issue of an ageing midfield. With the exception of Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner, Everton’s midfielders are largely in their 30s. The addition of Mangala would bring down the average age and inject some much-needed energy into the team.
The deal’s structure, with an initial loan spell followed by an option to buy, allows Everton to assess Mangala’s performance before committing to a permanent transfer. This approach reduces the risk associated with signing a new player and gives the club flexibility in their transfer dealings.
Fabrizio Romano’s update on Wednesday confirmed that Mangala has accepted the conditions of his transfer, paving the way for the deal to be finalized before the transfer window closes on Friday. While the move is yet to be officially confirmed, it appears increasingly likely that Mangala will become an Everton player in the coming days.
The signing of Mangala would be a welcome addition to Everton’s squad, providing a timely boost as the team seeks to turn their season around. With the midfielder’s versatility, energy, and quality, the Toffees may have found the perfect solution to their midfield woes.