Groningen ends Mendes deal as playing time dwindles

FC Groningen announced today that 26‑year‑old winger Rui Mendes will leave the club after 2.5 seasons, having made 39 appearances, scored four goals and provided two assists, with his contract due to run until mid‑2027 now terminated. The decision was confirmed via the club’s official channels.

Groningen signed Mendes from FC Emmen in the winter of 2024 for €300,000. Both clubs had competed in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie that season.

Mendes had been regarded as a key player at Emmen, where he featured regularly. His performances there prompted Groningen to invest in the 26‑year‑old winger.

At Groningen, Mendes struggled to replicate his form, making only six appearances in the most recent season and never starting a match. Overall, he featured in 39 games over two and a half seasons, netting four times and assisting twice.

Mendes’s contract originally ran until mid‑2027, but the parties agreed to dissolve it ahead of schedule. He remains eligible to train with Groningen’s under‑21 squad to maintain fitness.

"After starting as a regular in the Eredivisie, the prospect of playing time at the club diminished over the past two seasons," the club said. The statement reflected the mutual decision to separate.

Both sides entered discussions ahead of the new campaign but concluded that parting ways was preferable. Mendes will now seek opportunities elsewhere as a free agent.