With the transfer window slamming shut at 7PM Monday evening. MK Dons stayed quiet on the day. Finishing the window in style the day previous signing Derby County defender Kane Wilson. Today I will be diving in, rating and reacting to The Dons transfer window.
Some Much Needed Context
MK Dons recorded their worst ever league finish ever last season finishing 19th in League Two, having five different managers including interim through the season. After ending the season with Paul Warne we saw glimpses of what was to come in the future of the club. Don’t get me wrong, we did spend big money that season but like many clubs who buy too many players, they didn’t have time to gel and were constantly in rotation cutting any momentum we had built. These mistakes lead us to this transfer window needing to be extremely on point or we would see more struggle and heartbreak in the new season. On that note, let’s talk signings!
Goalkeepers
Tom Finch – Norwich City
After playing two seasons for The Canaries at U21 level. MK Dons picked up youngster Tom Finch as described “to help further development while also providing the best possible support for the Dons’ other goalkeepers.” This was most likely made to help allow Young Don, Seb Stacey first team football at the Step 1 and 2 level and rotation in cup games limiting chance of recalling Stacey or incase injuries occur. Overall I think this is a smart signing from Dons. I’m giving this a 7/10.
Defenders
Jon Mellish – (LOAN) Wigan Athletic
With many injuries last season and a lack of depth in the fullback positions this was a no brainer loan. Jon Mellish is a jack of all trades, whilst at Carlisle Mellish played all over the pitch and will be implemented as such MK Dons. With all this coverage especially with injury to fullback Joe Tomlinson this was a no brainer loan. I rate this transfer an 8/10.
Marvin Ekipiteta – Hibernian
A very typical Paul Warne signing, big, powerful and dominant in keeping the box well maintained, Epkiteta adds much leadership to the squad. A very under the radar signing in the league but has the ability to be one of the best in the division, this signing is an 8/10.
Gethin Jones – Bolton Wanderers
After his contract expired at Bolton Wanderers, Jones took the unexpected drop to League Two. A fantastic centre back, Jones brings a lot of experience after seven years at The Wanderers which will help Young Dons Charlie Waller and Callum Tripp exponentially with how they learn the game. This signing is a 9/10.
Kane Wilson – Derby County
Our last signing comes in the form of a previous Warne favourite Kane Wilson, a player who loves getting the crowd going and loves bombing down the wing. A player who on his day can be one of the best players in the division. A fantastic end to the window with this transfer. A 9/10 rating seems perfect for the chaos man himself.
Midfielders
Will Collar – Stockport County
Another shock transfer saw Will Collar drop a division after being touted with the move to other League One clubs. This transfer solidifies Collar immediately as one of the best midfielders in the division. After proving himself at Stockport, another Paul Warne statement of intent. This transfer is an 8/10.
Callum Paterson – Sheffield Wednesday
This has been The Dons best signing of the window. After leaving Wednesday due to unpaid contract he slotted straight into Dons. After losing some of the love for the game and stating “I needed to move on to find somewhere I’d have fun.” Paterson has found fantastic form scoring three and assisting 2 in the opening 6 games. One of the best players in the league, I rate this transfer 10/10.
Attackers
Nathaniel Mendez Laing – Derby County
The first signing of the transfer window was a statement of intent by Paul Warne. Bringing the Guatemalan international on a free. The two league drop surprised almost everyone after being such a pivotal part of Derby during the tenure at The Rams. A fantastic singing for The Dons with his power and presence. 9/10
Rushian Hepburn Murphy – Crawley Town
After relegation to League Two, Crawley star Hepburn Murphy joins MK Dons, an extremely fast paced player who loves to press. Hepburn Murphy has quickly become a fan favourite and one of the first names on the team sheet. Fantastic signing and an 8/10 rating.
Aaron Collins – Bolton Wanderers
After spending over 700k on the Bolton Forward. Collins started well, getting quickly involved with his brilliant pressure up at the top of the field after showing it at Bolton being one of best attackers in the league. Since he has been out injured for a couple of weeks, an unfortunate injury and hasn’t been able to prove the pricetag so for me is a 7/10
Overall I believe this is a fantastic window. Not only one of the best in the division but out of the whole EFL, that being said, the depth in our fullback department scares me a little bit. That’s why I rate out the window a 9/10.
Thank you for reading! Let us know any feedback or comments you have!
