Leicester City‘s Nampalys Mendy is looking to seal a last-minute loan move to Galatasaray, according to Leicestershire Live. Mendy’s agent, Yacine Ayad, told Mercato both clubs and the player agreed to the loan. However, the midfielder is out on international duty with Senegal and needs to make it to Turkey on September 8, 2021 for the move to happen before the Turkish transfer deadline.
Nampalys Mendy Looks to Turkey for More Playing Time
No Room at Leicester
The French-born defensive midfielder was left out of Leicester City’s 2021 Europa League squad, and things could get worse for him. With Hamza Choudhury’s failed loan move to Newcastle on Deadline day, Mendy could be left out of the Premier League squad, too.
Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers has some tough decisions to make, and Papy Mendy could watch from the sidelines until January if this move doesn’t go through. Last season, Mendy appeared in 17 matches in all competitions, ten more than Choudhury. However, for the 2021/22 season, Rodgers might look to put the home-grown midfielder ahead in the pecking order, to give him more experience.
Since his move from Nice in 2016, the Senegalese international has made 79 appearances for Leicester, with one assist and 13 yellow cards to his name. He also added to his Europa League experience and took part in one Champions League match. The midfielder was on the bench for the Foxes’ 2021 FA Cup final victory but didn’t take part in the match.
What Nampalys Mendy Could Bring to Galatasaray
Galatasaray finished second in the Süper Lig last season, which was manager Fatih Terim’s fourth consecutive at the club. The multiple-time Turkish league winner now looks to add experience to the squad.
The team has a difficult group in the Europa League this season. Mendy’s experience in the competition with Nice and Leicester could come in handy. His stability in midfield could be an important factor against teams like Marseille and Lazio, if the deal goes through.
Mendy wouldn’t be the first player in the squad with Premier League experience. Galatasaray also has the likes of DeAndre Yedlin, Patrick van Aanholt, and Sofiane Feghouli in their ranks. The club is looking for their 23rd Turkish championship this season. We now wait to see if Mendy can complete his move on time.
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