Milton Keynes Dons are thrilled to have completed the signing of 33- year-old winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.
Mendez-Laing becomes MK Dons’ first summer signing ahead of the 25/26 pre-season preparations. Subject to League and FA clearance.
The winger moves to Stadium MK following a three-year stint at Derby, where he achieved promotion into the Championship while leading the squad. After achieving promotion, Nathaniel was named as the club’s captain at the beginning of the 24/25 campaign, picked by Head Coach Paul Warne.
Mendez-Laing produced an impressive 54 goal contributions across 145 appearances since signing terms for The Rams in 2022.
Prior to his time at Pride Park, Mendez-Laing played for SheUield Wednesday, making his first appearance in November 2021 before departing the Owls later that season.
Before the most recent campaign, the now 33-year-old previously featured in the Championship for Middlesbrough, reuniting with his former Manager Neil Warnock.
May 2017 saw the start of a notable period in Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s career so far, as the winger joined CardiU City, where he would successfully support the Bluebirds’ rise to the Premier League while being honoured with an EFL Player of the Month trophy during that campaign.
Mendez-Laing would score his first goal in the top-flight of English football against Arsenal, coming back from an injury sustained briefly after his first fixture in the Premier League.
Returning to the action, the Bluebirds winger produced a memorable moment, scoring twice in a 2-0 away victory against Manchester United in May 2019.
Mendez-Laing will now bring a wealth of experience in success across the EFL to Stadium MK.
On joining MK Dons, Mendez-Laing said: “I'm buzzing, happy to finally get this deal done! It's a project that I'm really excited about, and I can't wait to get going.
“I've always kept in touch with the gaffer (Paul Warne), he's someone I highly respect. When the conversation happened, there was instant interest from my side. He's a great and honest man.
"I've come from the Championship, which shows the project this club is aiming for and the type of person the gaffer is. I can't wait to get going, the facilities here are amazing and I've always loved playing at Stadium MK. As I said before, I can't wait to get going because it's an exciting season ahead.”
On his playing style and objectives for the season ahead, the winger said: “I'm somebody who likes to excite the crowd; I'm very attacking, I like to get at defenders, create and score goals. I have a passion for winning and the gaffer is the same, I'm excited to be back on this journey with him.
“Promotion is my only objective, for the team and myself. The size of this club, the manager that we have, the players we have here and signings throughout the summer, there is nothing short than promotion for me.”
On his message to the MK Dons fans, Nathaniel said: “Get behind us! Be excited because I am excited, and it will continue to be that way going forward, I'm sure. Once again, I can't wait to get going.”
On his first signing as the MK Dons Head Coach, Paul Warne said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Nathaniel! Having previously coached him, I’ve seen his skill set and capabilities firsthand and it’s exactly what I wanted to introduce into this squad.
“He’s a strong, fast and versatile player who provides a threat at goal. I’m really excited to work with him again, and I’m pleased to get this deal done so early on in the window"
