MK Dons have started the summer transfer window with intent signing Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, Gethin Jones and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing so far. However, MK don’t look to be stopping there as they aim to build a squad that can get the Dons promoted out of EFL League Two in the 2025/26 season and back to EFL League One for the first time since 2023.
Now, it looks like the Stadium MK outfit are striving towards the completion of another star signing who will add more quality to an arguably already stacked side.
The Story Of MK’s Summer So Far
As mentioned, MK Dons have made three signings so far this summer with both of these holding the ability to perform at a high level in EFL League Two.
MK’s first signing – Nathaniel Mendez-Laing – comes into the Dons as a EFL League One promotion winner having helped Derby County get promoted to the EFL Championship two seasons ago. He was able to make 145 appearances during his time with the Pride Park outfit whilst also scoring on 21 occasions which shows the clear talent he has both in the second and third tier of English football – never mind the fourth tier of English football. His experiences and talent will be essential in helping MK succeed next season.
Their second signing – Rushian Hepburn-Murphy – signed from Crawley Town following Crawley’s relegation to EFL League Two in the 2024/25 season. During his time at Crawley, Murphy was able to score 11 times in the 46 games he played showing his clear talent. Furthermore, at 26, the forward still has a lot of time in his career and MK Dons arguably represents the opportunity to kick-on with his career.
Finally, MK Dons’ third signing Gethin Jones joined the club last week from Bolton Wanderers having made 23 appearances in the English third tier last season. At 29 years old, the defender holds experience in EFL League One and this experience will be invaluable as MK strive for success in the 2025/26 season.
MK Dons Close In On Collins
It has now been reported that MK Dons are closing in on the signing of Aaron Collins who played 45 games during the course of the EFL League One season with Bolton Wanderers. During the course of these 45 games, the 28 year old was able to score on 12 occasions whilst also assisting 4 times.
This comes following several floods of rumours and reports around the potential of Collins moving to MK Dons ahead of the 2025/26 season, including from the Lower Tiers’ own Rob Beezley.
According to reports from several sources including the Bolton News, a fee has been agreed between the two clubs although the fee agreed is not expected to surpass the £1.49 million fee paid by Notts County for Kasper Schmeichel.
Even with this transfer record not expected to be surpassed, this signing can be seen to be a statement of intent to the rest of the fourth tier and further puts MK Dons in the hot seat for automatic promotion and even the title during the 2025/26 season.
The Dons have also been reported to have beaten EFL League One sides Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town to the deal with these two clubs also interested in the striker’s services as well.
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Collins’ Career Achievements
· EFL League Two – 3rd Place – Bristol Rovers – 2021/22
· Bristol Rovers Player Of The Year – 2022/23
· Bolton Wanderers Player Of The Year – 2024/25
What Does Collins Bring To MK?
Aaron Collins will come to MK with experience in gaining promotion out of England’s fourth tier alongside an immaculate goal-scoring record, but he also brings much more than meets the surface.
This can be seen through his statistics that show that the 28 year old had 164 touches in opposition boxes whilst also making 111 shots with 40 of these shots being on target. This shows the constant presence in and around an opposition’s box the striker has and the pressure he puts on an opposition’s defence through the number of shots he attempts over the course of a match and season.
Furthermore, the Welshman’s possession statistics show him to be excellent with the ball with the attacker making 458 successful passes over the course of his 2024/25 EFL League One campaign whilst also creating 40 chances and assisting a goal on 4 occasions. This shows his ability to create opportunities for his teammates and contribute to attacks in a form that isn’t just scoring but is instead creating.
Overall, through signing Aaron Collins, the Stadium MK outfit are gaining an experienced head who can create chances whilst also executing those that others create to gain essential goals and points for a team and a player who should compliment well with the likes of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing on the pitch.
What Do You Think?
With this signing looking likely to go ahead now, do you think Collins will be able to make a successful and positive impact on the MK Dons side or will he struggle to adjust to the nature of fourth tier football again? Let us know in the comments.
