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Everton Eye 21-year-old Defender Playing In La Liga

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An Aging Defence

It was a day to forget for Everton fans yesterday afternoon. A 2-0 defeat against Enzo Maresca's Chelsea side and a returning Cole Palmer masterclass could have been predicted beforehand. Predictions aside, Everton have been a hard team to figure out this season. In some games they look comfortable and easily a top-10 side, and in others they show spells of last season's near relegation torment. Before yesterday's defeat, they had been an in-form side,even reaching the Europa League places. Defensively, they have also been sound, keeping six clean sheets in the league already. However, an aging centre back pairing of Michael Keane (32) and James Tarkowski (33) isn't at all exciting for their future. With Jarrad Branthwaite out injured as well, they haven't got an abundance of options to rely on - and not billions of pounds either...

• Reporter: "What is the difference between Chelsea and Everton?"

🚨🗣️ David Moyes: "About a billion-pound difference." pic.twitter.com/2vMUWzzOQn
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) December 13, 2025

One For The Future

This is where 21-year-old Senegalese centre-back Nobel Mendy comes into the fray. Everton's scouting department have been keeping tabs on Mendy's progress this season. The young defender has been on loan at Rayo Vallecano from Real Betis and so far this season, he has played seven games with a goal to show for it.

Coming through the Paris FC academy, Mendy has only just made his first steps into senior football. After only a handful of appearances for parent club Real Betis, the defender was sent out on loan earlier this year to gain some valuable minutes. In those minutes, he has shown that he can not only contribute defensively, but also in the opposition's box. This has caught the attention of Everton's scouts, who are eager to bring in a fresh-faced centre back in January.

I’ve spoken about how vibrant and well Rayo Vallecano are doing under Iñigo Pérez - “excellent manager of emotions"

Getting the best out of talented CB Nobel Mendy (21) an outstanding performance in a 0-0 draw away to Real Madrid

Brave, fearless and excellent in isolation 👏 pic.twitter.com/CMV1Sz2HfH
— António Mango (@AntonioMango4) November 9, 2025

His most notable performance to date was a classy performance against Spanish giants Real Madrid, in which he claimed a clean sheet for his efforts. Plaudits were impressed with his solid defending and composure on the ball - something that would translate well to the Premier League, with teams adamant on playing from the back. He also stands at 6 ft 1 in tall, so height isn't a problem either. In only seven appearances, the young centre back has gained lots of traction from fans in and around La Liga.

No talks have been held yet, as Everton are only keeping tabs on the defender. It is interesting to note that Rayo Vallecano do have a buy clause included into the loan deal if they are impressed with his performances by the end of the season, so it is up to The Toffees to try and hijack a deal.

Tarkowski and Keane haven't been entirely bad for Everton. They are, in simple terms, just getting old. With Jarrad Branthwaite constantly in the medical room, they firstly just need someone else that can play at centre-back. It is Mendy's natural position by trade, and Everton could get him on the cheap. It would be a sensible move and he is still only 21 - nowhere near his peak. There is a lot of room to grow for the young Senegalese, who is yet to make an international appearance and will not be travelling with them to the African Cup of Nations, so he can get a full season under his belt.

The foundations are there for a brilliant signing, so it is definitely one to keep an eye on over the upcoming January window.