Barcelona eyeing summer deal for Real Betis talent

Barcelona’s sporting hierarchy have identified Real Betis central defender Nobel Mendy as a prime summer target as they look to refresh the squad ahead of next season, sources have confirmed.

The 21-year-old Senegalese centre-back, currently on loan at Rayo Vallecano, has caught the attention of Deco and the club’s recruitment team after a string of commanding performances in La Liga. Mendy was sent to Vallecas last summer to gain regular top-flight minutes and has since cemented himself as a key figure in Andoni Iraola’s back line.

His progress was underlined at the weekend when he headed home his second goal of the campaign during Rayo’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Atlético Madrid, a result that further highlighted his rapid development.

According to a report from Fichajes, Barcelona’s decision-makers view Mendy as the archetype of the modern defender: young, physically imposing and still improving. The outlet states: “Mendy’s development has not gone unnoticed at FC Barcelona. The Catalan club is looking to strengthen its defense with young players who combine current form with potential, and the Senegalese defender fits that profile perfectly.”

With the Spanish champions expected to be active in the upcoming transfer window, the pursuit of Mendy could intensify should Betis entertain offers for the promising stopper.