Cagliari have exercised their option to sign midfielder Benjamin Mendy on a permanent deal from French side Lorient, according to reports from Italy. The Sardinian club had secured the 29-year-old on a loan with a conditional obligation to buy last summer, and the conditions for the permanent transfer have now been met. While the exact fee remains undisclosed, it is believed to be in the region of €3 million, and Mendy has signed a contract tying him to Cagliari until June 2027.
The move concludes a successful first season in Serie A for the Senegalese international, who has become a key component in Claudio Ranieri's midfield. Mendy arrived at the Stadio Unipol Domus with prior experience in Ligue 1 and the English Championship with Middlesbrough, but had never played in Italy's top flight before this campaign. His physical presence and ball-winning abilities have provided crucial balance in the center of the park for a Cagliari side engaged in a tense battle to avoid relegation.
Recent performances have solidified the club's decision, with Mendy earning high marks in the Italian press. Gazzetta dello Sport awarded him an 8 out of 10 for his dominant display in a recent 2-1 victory over Atalanta, describing his debut season as exceptional. His consistent form has helped Cagliari climb out of the bottom three as the season reaches its climax, offering much-needed stability in a crucial area of the pitch.
For Cagliari, securing Mendy's services represents a sensible piece of business, locking down a proven performer for their immediate future at a reasonable cost. For the player, the permanent move offers security and the chance to establish himself as a Serie A regular after adapting swiftly to the league. The deal also allows Cagliari to plan their summer transfer strategy with one major midfield question already resolved, providing a foundation upon which to build regardless of which division they compete in next season.
