MK Dons terminate Nathaniel Mendez-Laing contract after assault charge

MK Dons have cancelled the contract of winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing by mutual consent, just weeks after the player was charged with assaulting his wife.

The League One club announced the immediate termination of the 34-year-old’s contract on Friday. Mendez-Laing, a Guatemala international who joined the club in May 2025, has barely featured this season. He has made only two appearances, last playing in a 2-2 draw against Oxford United on the opening weekend of the campaign.

The decision follows his appearance in court last month, where he denied a charge of assault by beating.

The allegations and upcoming trial

Mendez-Laing is accused of attacking his wife, Saira Mendez-Laing, at their home in Shenstone, Staffordshire, during an incident in June 2026. Following his arrest, police charged him with assault by beating.

At a hearing at Cannock Magistrates' Court in September—with reports split on whether the appearance took place on 11 September or 25 September—the winger formally pleaded not guilty. He arrived at court on crutches, wearing a black suit and a white shirt.

District Judge Joseph O'Connor released him on conditional bail. A trial has been scheduled to take place at the same court on 7 January 2027.

A sudden exit from Stadium MK

Mendez-Laing’s departure brings an abrupt end to a highly successful spell in Buckinghamshire. After arriving on a free transfer from Derby County, where he had helped the Rams secure promotion to the Championship, he quickly became a key player for the Dons.

He made 29 appearances for the club, scoring nine or ten goals depending on the competition record, as MK Dons secured promotion to League One last season.

In a brief statement, the club declined to elaborate on the circumstances surrounding his departure, offering only standard administrative well-wishes.

"Milton Keynes Dons FC confirms the termination of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s playing contract by mutual consent," the statement read. "We thank Nathaniel for his efforts during his time at Stadium MK and wish him all the best for the future."