Rayo Vallecano has decided to permanently acquire Senegalese international Nobel Mendy from Real Betis, where the 21-year-old is currently on loan. The club will exercise its purchase option, paying €2.4 million plus variables for 80% of the player's rights. This move is influenced by significant interest from several other clubs, including Benfica, Nottingham Forest, and Atalanta, which are closely following the center-back. It is reported that these clubs are willing to pay a much higher fee for Mendy, with a potential transfer value that could be greater than €12 million. If Rayo Vallecano were to sell the player, Real Betis would receive 20% of the subsequent transfer fee in addition to the initial payment. Mendy's contract with Real Betis is valid until June 2027, and his current Transfermarkt market value is €6.00m. A previously reported asking price from Real Betis was €5 million in mid-2025.