- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Nottingham Forest and Lyon have now finalised the agreement for the deadline day transfer of Orel Mangala, who has also had his medical, HITC Football understands.
The 25-year-old travelled to France earlier this Thursday to undergo fitness tests while Lyon and Nottingham Forest finalised their agreement. Now, sources have confirmed to HITC that the Reds have accepted Les Gones’ £10m loan, plus a £20m obligation to buy the midfielder.
Mangala has also agreed to sign a four-year contract to clinch a deadline-beating transfer to Lyon. Now, the Groupama Stadium side are pushing to announce his arrival, as well as a deal for Said Benrahma, before the winter 2024 market slams shut to French side’s at 22:00 GMT.
Lyon have an agreement with Nottingham Forest and Orel Mangala
Lyon hope to unveil Mangala and Benrahma this Thursday, having reached agreements with Nottingham Forest and West Ham United. As we revealed, Lyon have also seen off a late bid from Fulham for Benrahma’s transfer. The Algerian is now likely to become a Gones attacker.
Groupama Stadium chiefs have worked to secure transfers for Mangala and Benrahma with Lyon only 16th in Ligue 1. They also sit in the relegation play-off position after 19 games. Les Gones have only won four and drawn another four French top-flight fixtures so far this term.
Orel Mangala has had a deadline day medical to seal the transfer
Nottingham Forest agreed to let Mangala join Lyon in a deadline day transfer, despite the 12-cap Belgian remaining a key part of their plans. He has played 22 times so far this season in all competitions. Of his outings, 20 have come from a possible 21 Premier League matches.
Mangala has also started 19 of his top-flight appearances this term and has scored one goal. Now, Lyon are signing the Brussels-born star, who TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher shared Roberto Martinez considered a ‘wonderful game manager’ while Belgium’s manager.
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