Laurent Mendy: Forest Green defender linked with Hearts move amid Scottish Premiership interest

France- and Senegal-born centre-back Laurent Mendy of Forest Green is being linked with a move to Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian.

The 29-year-old defender, who joined Forest Green from Macclesfield in July 2025, has emerged as a target after establishing himself as a regular at National League level. Mendy has made 44 league appearances in the competition, contributing one goal and three assists while accumulating just under 4,000 minutes on the pitch.

Hearts are understood to be assessing central defensive options ahead of the new campaign, with Mendy’s experience in English non-league football and his recent run of consistent game time drawing attention from the Edinburgh club. The move would represent a significant step up from the National League to the Scottish top flight.

Mendy’s route to Forest Green has been built on a steady rise through the lower tiers, including a spell in Sweden with IFK Amal before a return to England and a subsequent free transfer to Macclesfield. His performances there paved the way for his switch to Forest Green ahead of the 2025–26 season.

Forest Green secured Mendy without a disclosed fee, and there is no public indication of a release clause or contract end date, leaving any potential deal with Hearts likely to depend on negotiations between the clubs. For now, Mendy remains part of Forest Green’s defensive unit as interest from Scotland develops.