Hull sign defender Mendy for club record fee

Image caption, Nobel Mendy has won one cap for Senegal

Nobel Mendy has won one cap for Senegal

Hull City have confirmed the signing of Senegal defender Nobel Mendy from Rayo Vallecano for a club record fee, while they have also recruited fellow centre-back Lucas Herrington from Colorado Rapids.

Mendy, 21, joins on a five-year contract, with an option for a further year.

The fee was undisclosed, but the Tigers say it surpasses the £20m plus add-ons that was paid earlier this month for Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis from Olympiacos.

Hull's previous transfer record had stood since 2016 when they paid £13m for Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason.

"I am very happy to be here and very proud to be here as well," Mendy said.

"I am a very athletic player, and I am a defender at heart. I also really enjoy the game and coming out from the back cleanly and aggressively when needed.

"I have wanted to play in the Premier League since I was little, so it's a great challenge to face and I am ready for it."

Mendy, who started his career at Paris FC, scored twice in 28 games during his only season in La Liga with Rayo, with his final appearance coming in the Conference League final defeat by Crystal Palace.

He had also reached the Conference League final last year with his previous club Real Betis, losing to Chelsea.

His only Senegal cap came in March against The Gambia.

Herrington joy at Hull move

Hull, who beat Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final, have also brought in 18-year-old Australia international Herrington from Major League Soccer.

Herrington made two appearances for his country during the World Cup and missed a spot-kick when they were beaten by Egypt on penalties in the last 32.

"The opportunity to play in the Premier League, one of the best leagues in the world, is a dream come true," said Herrington, who has joined the Tigers on a five-year deal.

"I've woken up at all hours in the morning in Australia to watch these games. To be a part of it is so special.

"I'm here to work hard and hopefully get a lot of games in the Premier League."

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