From non-league to Europe: Hearts sign Mendy after climb through English lower leagues

Hearts signed Laurent Mendy on 24 July 2026. The fee could reach close to £1m, a club record for Forest Green Rovers. Mendy, 47 appearances and captain at Forest Green last season, previously played for Thamesmead Town, Greenwich Borough, VCD Athletic and others in England's lower tiers. He now joins a side second in the Scottish Premiership, competing in Europe.