MK Dons have made exceptional use of their academy setup throughout the years.
While not all of them have become stars at Stadium MK, plenty of them have gone on to have commendable careers, all made in Milton Keynes.
Born in Milton Keynes, Dele Alli joined the Dons at 11 years old, making his first team debut at 16 years old. He established himself as a regular starter in the 2013/14 season, with the 2014/15 campaign being his real time to shine for the Dons.
Dele featured in MK Dons’ famous 4-0 victory over Manchester United in the second round of the League Cup.
He joined Tottenham Hotspur for £5 million in February 2015 before being loaned back to Stadium MK for the remainder of the season. He won Young Player of the Year as the Dons were promoted to the Championship.
Dele made an instant impact at Spurs, winning the PFA Young Player of the Season Award twice in his first two premier league seasons. Dele was an effective playmaker and goalscorer for Spurs, even featuring in a Champions League Final.
His form began to decline around 2020 due to a combination of injuries and internal disagreements. Dele joined Everton before being loaned to Besiktas in Turkey where he failed to make a real impact. He joined Serie A club Como, only making one appearance before released in September 2025.
Dele remains a free agent, despite interest from various clubs. All Dons fans will be hoping Dele can find a team that values his contribution. Perhaps a return to Stadium MK could be on the cards?
Also born in Milton Keynes, Thomas-Asante joined the Dons’ academy at 12 years old. Despite winning MK Dons Academy Player of the Year, Thomas-Asante failed to establish himself as a regular starter. Multiple loans would follow before he joined Salford City on a free transfer.
The winger, who also featured as a striker, made over 100 appearances for the Ammies, even scoring his penalty as they triumphed in the EFL trophy final over Portsmouth. Two years at West Brom followed, with Thomas-Asante finishing as top goalscorer for the Baggies in his first season.
Coventry City signed Thomas-Asante for £2.5 million in August 2024. After being part of a failed playoff campaign in the 2024/25 season, Thomas-Asante scored 13 league goals this season as the Sky Blues were promoted to the Premier League. Another MK Dons academy graduate could soon be playing top flight football.
Joining the MK Dons academy aged ten, making his first team debut in 2010. Baldock would go on to make over 100 appearances for MK Dons, spending eight years at the club.
He had multiple loan spells during his time at Stadium MK but really made a name for himself at the Dons during the 2016/17 season.
The right-back also played in the Dons’ victory vs Manchester United, alongside fellow graduate Dele. He won the Dons’ Young Player of the Season Award for the 2015/16 season.
Baldock would be signed by Sheffield United where he became a Blades legend, making over 200 appearances. He helped them return to the Premier League on two occasions, even making 83 top flight appearances.
He is still well loved amongst the Blades faithful, for his on field contribution and his off field work also. Baldock bought a defibrillator for a young Sheffield United fan, who had been diagnosed with a heart condition, so he could continue to play football.
Baldock would join Greek side Panathinaikos, playing for the country he represented at international level. Heartbreakingly, Baldock passed away while in Greece at the age of 31. He will forever be remembered by both MK Dons and Blades fans, and always be missed.
Kasumu joined MK Dons’ academy setup at 14 years old, making his debut in 2016. Kasumu featured in 2021/22 MK Dons team that finished third in League One but falling to defeat in the playoffs.
He made 93 appearances for the Dons, becoming a fan favourite due to his tenacity and commitment. The defensive midfielder would cover the entire pitch despite being a guaranteed yellow card each game.
Kasumu turned down a new contract at Stadium MK at the end of the 2021/22 season, joining Huddersfield Town. He would end up reuniting with former Dons Lee Nicholls and Rhys Healey while playing for the Terriers.
He has featured 139 times for the West Yorkshire side becoming a regular starter at the top end of League One.
