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Who is Everton-linked Orel Mangala? The Belgian international who is set for Toffees switch

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Everton look set to secure the signing of Orel Mangala, here is all you need to know about the Toffees target.

As the transfer deadline inches closer, Sean Dyche is looking to get a few last-minute deals over the line.

Everton have registered an interest in Kieran Trippier meanwhile the Toffees are also eyeing a move for Ernest Nuamah.

One signing though that looks to be all set and done is Orel Mangala, who is set to join from French outfit Lyon.

Mangala is undergoing his Everton medical this morning, with the midfielder set to arrive at Goodison Park on a one-year loan deal.

So with that being said, here is everything you need to know about the soon-to-be Everton man.

FBL-FRA-LIGUE1-CLERMONT-LYON
Photo by JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK/AFP via Getty Images

Orel Mangala age

Orel Johnson Mangala is currently 26-years-old at the time of writing. He was born on March 18th 2998.

Orel Mangala nationality

Mangala is Belgian having been born in the capital city of Brussels. He is also of Congolese descent through his parents.

Orel Mangala height

Orel Mangala stands at approximately 5ft 10 inches tall (1.78m). Despite not being the tallest, Mangala is extremely strong which allows him to regularly shrug off challenges.

Orel Mangala position

Mangala primarily plays as a central midfielder but can also deputies in holding midfield.

France v Belgium: Round of 16 - UEFA EURO 2024
Photo by Jan Fromme – firo sportphoto/Getty Images

Orel Mangala playing style

Mangala can be best described as a classic box-to-box midfielder.

He is a very powerful runner who likes to contribute at both ends of the pitch, regularly jumping tackles as well as kick-starting attacks. Everton need legs in the midfield and the Belgian could provide that.

The former Forest man is also a good ball-carrier which could help the Toffees progress the ball into the final third, something they have struggled to do so far this season.

Orel Mangala stats

Orel Mangala has played for five clubs during his professional senior career whilst also representing Belgium at international level.

Club AppsGoals Assists
2017Anderlecht8(0)(2)
2017–2022VfB Stuttgart109(3)(10)
2018–2019→ Hamburger SV (loan)34(1)(5)
2022–2024Nottingham Forest53(2)(1)
2024Lyon 13(2)(0)

Orel Mangala accident

Mangala nearly never fulfilled his destiny of becoming a professional footballer thanks to an accident he was involved in at an early age. As a youngster, the midfielder was hit by a car while trying to cross the road to get to a ball.

His father Jean reflected on the incident in an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws:

“The love for the ball almost cost Orel his life. The doctors even told me my boy might never walk again. Orel is a strong character. His mother and I were with him every day at the children’s hospital. Encouraging, encouraging… Every step, like a game. Orel is proof that miracles exist,”