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After releasing their retained list earlier in May, Derby County have announced their first permanent departure of the summer, with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing joining MK Dons.
As per BBC Sport Derby, the League Two outfit have not paid a fee for the winger, who will link up with his former Rams boss, Paul Warne.
Mendez-Laing scored three goals and registered four assists in 41 Championship appearances in 2024/25, but it was clear to see that the Guatemala international was struggling to maintain any form in the second tier and he has now departed the club.
The 33-year-old had a year left on his contract, but with Derby’s CEO Stephen Pearce revealing that a busy transfer window is ahead, John Eustace has already started to shape his squad for next season.
Derby County supporters react to Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s sudden departure
While it looked likely that Mendez-Laing was going to leave the club this summer, the timing of his departure has come as a surprise to many.
He made 145 appearances over the course of three seasons at Pride Park, and his influence during Derby’s promotion campaign was clear to see, but the time was right to let go of the former Cardiff City man.
With experience throughout the EFL and the Premier League, MK Dons have pulled off a real coup, and Rams supporters have sent their well wishes to Mendez-Laing.
One fan wrote: “Massive part in getting us out that league and seemed a sound enough guy when I met him too. A cheat code for League Two that is though.”
While another put: “Good luck to him. Was outstanding in League One, just not at this level these days. Should be remembered fondly.”
“Good luck Nat, should rip up League Two,” a fifth Derby supporter stated.
A sixth posted: “Played a massive role in us getting out of League One which won’t be forgotten. However this is the correct call, just not cut out for this level. Cheat code for League Two. All the best, Nat.”
John Eustace is already showing he is prepared to be ruthless
John Eustace has been clear in the past that the Rams need more quality throughout the squad to ensure that they can compete in the Championship.
Derby’s turnaround following Warne’s sacking was clear to see, but improvements to the starting XI are needed, with Andreas Weimann looking likely to re-join the Rams.
Keeping away from the relegation zone will be Eustace’s main desire next season, and with the club stepping away from another of their League One promotion heroes, it is obvious that the Rams are entering a new era with investment much needed.