Forest Green Rovers have made it clear they will turn down any offers for midfielder Laurent Mendy as the club gears up for the new National League season. Robbie Savage, the former Wales striker turned manager, told BBC Radio Gloucestershire that no bid has materialised this summer and that the Frenchman is not for sale.
Why is Mendy so valuable to Forest Green?
Mendy was a key figure in a side that finished seventh last season, sitting 7th in England National League with 81 pts after 46 games. His creativity helped the Rovers score 82 goals while conceding 52, a +30 goal difference that kept them in the play‑off mix. Savage believes selling him would cripple a squad still targeting a top‑four finish, especially when the club sits 27 points behind leaders York. "Our stance is clear - not for sale," he said, adding that the January bid was far below their valuation.
What does the transfer market look like for Forest Green?
He confirmed that Hearts have shown interest but have not submitted an official offer. "There has been contact from Hearts but no official offer," Savage explained. The manager also hinted that the club could entertain a loan or free‑transfer goalkeeper, noting that the current squad list lacks a designated number one. If a new keeper arrives, he will compete with Luke McNicholas and Fiachra Pagel for the starting spot against Halifax Town on August 8.
How does the recent form affect the club’s strategy?
Forest Green’s recent form has been mixed, with a last‑5 record of 2W‑0D‑3L (LLWWL, most recent first) and a last result of a 1‑0 loss to Boreham Wood on 2026‑04‑29. The defeat came after a play‑off exit at the hands of Boreham Wood, underscoring the need for stability in the squad. Savage’s refusal to sell Mendy reflects a desire to avoid repeating last season’s disappointment, where the Rovers fell in extra‑time to eventual finalists Boreham Wood.
What are the next steps for the club?
The manager will continue to assess the goalkeeper situation during pre‑season, with a decision likely made before the opening fixture. Meanwhile, the focus remains on retaining key players like Mendy to push for a promotion challenge. "We need to get promoted and we’re going to keep our best players," Savage concluded, signalling that any future bids will be turned down.
