Hull City deal for Celtic-linked Rayo Vallecano defender Nobel Mendy 'agreed' as Fabrizio Romano issues update

Hull City have reportedly agreed terms with Rayo Vallecano to sign defender Nobel Mendy, with the Spanish club's left-back emerging as a priority target for the Tigers' January window activity. Mendy, who has made 18 appearances for the Madrid-based outfit this season in La Liga, joins a Hull squad currently battling in the Championship's lower reaches after their mixed campaign under manager Tim Walter.

The arrival addresses a defensive vulnerability that has dogged Hull's campaign, with the East Yorkshire club conceding 47 goals in 26 league matches—a significant concern as they pursue promotion back to the Premier League. Mendy's acquisition also represents a statement of intent following Celtic's reported interest, suggesting the Tigers possess the financial muscle to compete for talent across Europe's established leagues, whilst the 24-year-old's experience in La Liga adds proven top-flight pedigree to their backline.

Should the deal reach completion, Mendy would become Hull's most significant defensive reinforcement of the window and cap a transformative month for Walter's recruitment plans. The defender's signing follows the club's unsuccessful pursuit of several targets and comes as they prepare for a crucial run of fixtures that will determine their promotion credentials, with momentum essential heading towards the season's decisive phase.