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The Belgium international midfielder’s loan agreement with the Blues has been finalised.
Orel Mangala has been announced to have signed with Everton. The midfield player leaves Lyon to sign a season-long loan with the Blues.
Since the agreement is a simple loan, the Toffees are under no pressure to sign the Belgium international long-term after the current campaign ends.
The 26-year-old, who joined the French team from Nottingham Forest in January, is making his Premier League comeback. Before Lyon paid over £15 million to sign Mangala permanently this summer, he first came on loan.
He stated, “I feel really happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started,” upon the confirmation of his move. Everton is a sizable team. It was an easy choice for me to come here after playing against Everton in the past since I’ve always felt like this place has a large and passionate supporter base.
“I believe I have composure when playing the ball. I prefer to link up plays in the middle between the attacking and defensive players, trying to keep things somewhat balanced. I feel well and am prepared to travel. I’m excited to begin my career here at Goodison and to meet the supporters. I want to contribute to making this Goodison’s final season unforgettable and to the team’s success.”
Mangala made just eight appearances in Ligue 1, four of which were starts. Nonetheless, he was a frequent visitor to the City Ground and was well-liked by the crowd for his disciplined midfield performances. He will now give Sean Dyche competition in the middle of the park from Tim Iroegbunam, James Garner, and Idrissa Gueye.
Mangala has also made 19 appearances for Belgium, where he often plays alongside Amadou Onana, a former Everton player, in midfield.
“We’re pleased to strengthen our midfield with the arrival of Orel,” Sean Dyche said of his newest recruit. His loan acquisition provides us more alternatives and strengthens our midfield, which is something we desire since we want competition for spots throughout our squad. Orel’s performances for Belgium and in Europe highlight the talent he can bring to us at Everton, and his experience in the Premier League is crucial in helping him transition as quickly as possible.
Mangala follows Iroegbunam, Jack Harrison, Iliman Ndiaye, Jesper Lindstrom, Jake O’Brien, and Asmir Begovic as the seventh senior to arrive at Goodison Park this summer.
