Hull City’s signing of Nobel Mendy has made him the most expensive player ever to leave Rayo Vallecano, overtaking Chavarria only days after the defender’s move to Chelsea set a new club record.
Rayo Vallecano officially confirmed that Mendy had joined Hull City, with the English club paying €25m for an 87.5% ownership stake in the defender.
That figure moves Mendy above Chavarria, who had recently completed a transfer to Chelsea for a guaranteed €21m fee, with a further €3m available in add-ons. Chavarria’s record therefore lasted only briefly, with the two departures taking place in quick succession.
Before the latest deals, Rayo Vallecano’s highest-value sale had been Embarba’s move to Espanyol for €10m.
However, the full €25m fee agreed for Mendy will not remain with Rayo Vallecano. Real Betis retained a 20% ownership stake in the player, meaning that €5m of the transfer income received by Rayo Vallecano will be paid to the Andalusian club.
Mendy’s record-breaking transfer follows a season in which he made 28 appearances for Rayo Vallecano in all competitions. The defender scored twice and did not register an assist during the 2025-26 campaign.
The agreement with Hull City represents a significant rise from the previous club record of €10m, established by Embarba’s transfer to Espanyol. It also means Rayo Vallecano’s record sale has changed twice in a short period, as Chavarria’s move to Chelsea briefly moved him to the top of the list before Mendy’s transfer was finalised.
Rayo Vallecano will receive the majority of the Mendy fee, although Real Betis’ retained interest reduces the amount ultimately kept by the Madrid club. The 20% arrangement was part of the player’s ownership structure and remains relevant to the distribution of the transfer payment.
Mendy is now officially a Hull City player, while his departure leaves Chavarria’s Chelsea transfer as the second-highest sale in Rayo Vallecano’s history. Embarba’s move to Espanyol remains third on the list at €10m.
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