Mangala Signs For Everton

Everton have signed midfielder Orel Mangala from Olympique Lyonnais on a season-long loan.

The 26-year-old Belgium international becomes the Blues’ seventh summer arrival following the return of winger Jack Harrison on loan and additions of midfielder Tim Iroegbunam, forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrøm, defender Jake O’Brien – Mangala’s former Lyon teammate – and goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

A combative, tough-tackling defensive midfielder, Mangala has Premier League experience from his 18 months with Nottingham Forest before his switch to Lyon in February, while he also has 19 caps for Belgium.

On his move to Merseyside for 2024/25, Mangala told evertontv: “I feel really happy to be here and I can't wait to get started. 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.

“I can’t wait to meet the fans at Goodison and to start my journey here. I want to help make it a special last season at Goodison and to help the Club reach our goals. Up the Toffees!”

Mangala came through the youth ranks at Anderlecht before starting his professional career with German club Stuttgart.

After gaining experience during a season-long loan spell at Hamburg, Mangala became a regular in Stuttgart’s midfield, helping the club earn promotion to the Bundesliga in 2020 ahead of a mid-table finish in Germany’s top-flight the following campaign.

His Belgium debut came against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin in March 2022 and, five months later, the powerful midfielder signed for Nottingham Forest, becoming a valuable and popular player at the City Ground.

Mangala moved to Lyon, initially on loan, last February, scoring crucial winners against Nice and Clermont Foot as Les Gones turned around their season to qualify for Europe.

On his summer transfer deadline day signing, Everton manager Sean Dyche said: “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.”

Everton Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, added: “Orel is a talented ball-winning midfielder whose experience in England, on the continent and at international level means he adds more quality to our squad.

“He is keen to make an impression at Everton and we’re confident his commitment, work-rate and attributes on the pitch will make him a valuable signing for the season ahead.”