Patrick Bamford has today (Monday) joined Milton Keynes Dons on a youth loan until early January.
The Chelsea striker became Karl Robinson’s ‘number one target’ in the summer after impressing during his time with the Club last season.
19-year-old Bamford made 14 appearances in two short spells with the Club last season and scored four goals – including his first professional goal in football against Crewe Alexandra – and will add pace, as well as an out-and-out goal threat to Robinson’s side.
Bamford is the first signing in the summer transfer window for the Dons although the focus was largely placed on securing the futures of regular first teamers David Martin, Dean Lewington, Ian McLoughlin as well as the earlier signatures of Luke Chadwick and Daniel Powell. Adam Chicksen is yet to agree a new contract with the Football Club.
The forward will fly out to Dublin this afternoon to link-up with his team-mates for pre-season training.
Speaking to mkdons.com Robinson said: “Patrick was my number one target and you don’t always get your number one target. He is the one I have been waiting for all summer, I could have brought players in over that time, it’s a risk to put all of your eggs in one basket but on this occasion it was worth the gamble.
“Thankfully we got the deal done and we’re extremely fortunate to have his services for the next few months. When I watch Patrick play I see him do things which other players find very hard to do, he is still very young but he is a tremendous talent and when you work with him every day in training you see what quality he possesses.”
The addition of Bamford to the Dons side has once again put the emphasis on Robinson’s desire for a younger, fresher energy to run through the camp for the 2013/14 campaign.
He added: “I am trying to bring in young players; there are two or three others who I am hot on the heels of. I am very excited by Patrick coming in. I am looking forward to Patrick coming back and wearing our shirt because, to me, he is as good as a young player you are going to get up and down the country.
“I would still like to bring in two more wide players as that is my area of concern. I look at the goalkeepers and the back four and I think it is extremely strong in terms of competition.
“I look at Smithy, Chaddy, Dele, Patrick and Izale and I think as a number 10 or 9 goes, we have a lot of different characters and qualities. We need two more wide players as support mechanisms for Daniel
Powell and Dean Bowditch and then we will have a squad who will be competitive.”
Bamford will wear the number 15 shirt.
The loan, which is subject to clearance from The Football League and FA, will run until 5th January, allowing Bamford to be involved in the away trip to Crewe Alexandra the day before.
