Hull City
have completed a club-record deal to sign Senegal defender Nobel Mendy from Rayo Vallecano, and have also added fellow centre-back Lucas Herrington from Colorado Rapids.
Mendy, 21, has agreed a five-year contract with an option for a sixth.
The fee was not disclosed, but the Tigers say it exceeds the £20m plus add-ons paid earlier this month for Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis from Olympiacos.
Hull’s previous transfer record had stood since 2016, when they spent £13m on Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason.
“I am very happy to be here and very proud to be here as well,” Mendy said.
“I am a very athletic player, and I am a defender at heart. I also really enjoy the game and coming out from the back cleanly and aggressively when needed.
“I have wanted to play in the Premier League since I was little, so it’s a great challenge to face and I am ready for it.”
Mendy, who began his career at Paris FC, scored twice in 28 appearances during his sole La Liga season with Rayo; his final game came in the Conference League final defeat to Crystal Palace.
The previous year he also reached the Conference League final with former club Real Betis, losing to Chelsea.
His only Senegal cap came in March against The Gambia.