Hull City have broken their club transfer record to sign Senegal defender Nobel Mendy from Spanish side Rayo Vallecano for a fee that exceeds the £20 million paid for Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis last week. The 21-year-old Mendy has signed a five-year deal, with an option for a further 12 months. He scored twice in 28 outings during his only season with Rayo Vallecano, with his last appearance coming in the Conference League final loss to Crystal Palace in May. Mendy's previous stop came at Real Betis, where he was also part of the squad that reached the Conference League final in 2024-25. He made his debut for Senegal in a friendly against Gambia in March. Hull also completed the signing of 18-year-old Australia defender Lucas Herrington on a five-year deal. Herrington arrives from Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids, who he only joined in January from Australian club Brisbane Roar, having appeared for his country at the World Cup. The Tigers have not disclosed the fee for the signings. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 6th in Championship, 73 pts, 21W-10D-15L from 46 games, recent form WWDWL. Goals this season: 70 scored, 66 conceded (+4 goal difference). Title race: 22 points behind leaders Coventry. Next fixture: vs Manchester City (away, 2026-12-19).