Forest Green Rovers captain Laurent Mendy joins Hearts in potential club-record deal

Forest Green Rovers have confirmed the departure of captain Laurent Mendy after he completed a move to Scottish Premiership side Hearts on Friday.

The deal could become a club-record sale worth close to £1million if performance-related targets are met.

Mendy joined Rovers from Macclesfield in 2025 after following manager Robbie Savage to The New Lawn and quickly established himself as a key figure in the side.

The 29-year-old, who can operate in defence and midfield, made 47 appearances last season as Forest Green secured a National League play-off place before their hopes of an immediate return to the EFL were ended by Boreham Wood in the eliminators.

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Unbelievable opportunity

His spectacular strike against Brackley Town was among the highlights of his spell at the club.

Mendy and Savage had previously helped Macclesfield win the Northern Premier League Premier Division title in 2024/25.

The pair then made the move to Gloucestershire together last summer.

The former Leicester City and Derby County midfielder admitted the opportunity was too good for his captain to turn down.

“It’s an unbelievable opportunity for Mendy,” Savage said.

“I could not stand in his way of progressing his career and bettering his and his family’s life, whilst getting a record fee received for the club.

“They’ve got a fantastic player and a fantastic person. I’m incredibly proud of him.”

Life-changing

Hearts narrowly missed out on the Scottish Premiership title last season as Celtic were crowned champions on the final day after a 3-1 victory over their title rivals.

Mendy now heads up north to help the Tynecastle club build on that impressive campaign.

The move comes just over a week after Savage insisted Rovers would reject any approach for their skipper.

He revealed that Hearts had made contact but had yet to submit another formal offer following their rejected bid back in January.

However, speaking earlier this week, the former Wales international confirmed a deal had been agreed, describing the move as a life-changing opportunity for Mendy.

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