Everton have completed the acquisition of former Nottingham Forest midfielder Orel Mangala on loan from Olympique Lyonnais.
The 26-year-old arrives at Goodison Park just weeks after signing for Lyon on a permanent basis having spent the second half of last season at the Ligue 1 club. on loan from the City Ground.
Mangala spent two years at Nottingham Forest where he made 47 league appearances but spent the last few months on loan with Lyon before agreeing a £15m move at the beginning of July.
“I feel really happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started,” Mangala said on signing for the Toffees. “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 began his professional career in Germany with Stuttgart where he made over 100 appearances either side of a loan switch to Hamburg in 2018.
He was picked up by Forest two years ago but was a victim of the East Midlands club’s need to offload players for profit to satisfy PSR concerns earlier this summer.
“We’re pleased to strengthen our midfield with the arrival of Orel,” said Blues boss Sean Dyche. “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.”