Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage has claimed that Laurent Mendy's departure for Heart of Midlothian could be a major money-spinner for the club. The 29-year-old midfielder has left the New Lawn to join the Scottish Premiership club, and Savage believes that his departure could result in a significant fee. “[They] met the valuation on this occasion, which if all targets are met, will be close on £1m - and for a 29-year-old that's an incredible bit of business for the football club,” Savage said. Mendy's departure is a significant blow to Forest Green, who had been hoping to keep him at the club. However, Savage is optimistic about the future of the team and believes that Mendy's departure could provide an opportunity for other players to step up and fill the void. The club is currently preparing for the new season, which gets underway on August 7, 2026, with a match against Wealdstone at home. Forest Green will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025-26 season, which saw them finish 20th in the table. The team's next fixture is against Wealdstone on February 16, 2027, which will be a crucial test of their abilities. With Mendy's departure, Forest Green will need to find a way to replace his creative spark and midfield control. Savage has already begun to identify potential replacements, and the club is expected to make several signings in the coming weeks. Despite the challenges ahead, Savage remains confident that Forest Green can achieve success in the new season. “We're working hard to strengthen the squad and bring in some new faces, and I'm excited to see how the team will perform this season,” he said. With Mendy's departure, Forest Green is entering a new era, and the club is expected to be more competitive than ever. The team's fans are eagerly anticipating the new season, and they will be looking to see how their team will perform against the likes of Wealdstone and other top teams in the league.