Everton have completed the signing of Orel Mangala from Lyon on a season-long loan.
The former Nottingham Forest midfielder joined the French club on loan in February before making the move permanent earlier this summer in a deal worth £30million ($39.6m), including add-ons.
The 26-year-old Belgium international is the seventh arrival at Goodison Park in the summer transfer window following the signings of Jack Harrison, Tim Iroegbunam, Iliman Ndiaye, Jesper Lindstrom, Jake O’Brien and Asmir Begovic.
“I feel really happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started,” Mangala told Everton club media.
“Everton is a big club. When I’ve played against Everton in the past, I’ve always felt there is a big fanbase here with a lot of passion for their club so it was an easy decision for me to come here.
“I think I’m someone who is composed on the ball. I like to link up play in the midfield between the defensive players and the attack — hopefully a bit of a balance of everything. I’m feeling good and I’m ready to go.”
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Everton boss Sean Dyche said of the signing: “We’re pleased to strengthen our midfield with the arrival of Orel.
“We want competition for places throughout our squad and his loan signing gives us extra options and adds depth to our midfield.
“Orel has Premier League experience, which is important to help him adjust as quickly as possible, and his performances for Belgium and in Europe underline the quality he can bring to us at Everton.”
Mangala joined Forest from Stuttgart in the summer of 2022 in a £10.5m ($13.8m) deal and went on to make 53 appearances for the club.
He made four starts and four substitute appearances in the French top flight for Lyon last season.
He is Everton’s seventh signing of the summer after the arrivals of Jake O’Brien, Iliman Ndiaye, Jack Harrison, Tim Iroegbunam, Jesper Lindstrom and Asmir Begovic.
Everton have lost both of their opening two Premier League games and next face Bournemouth at Goodison Park on Saturday.
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