MK Dons has agreed a deal to sign Walsall centre-back Paul Downing on a free transfer.
The defender will officially join the Dons on a two-year deal when his contract at the Banks’s Stadium expires at the end of this month.
Downing, 24, has made 221 senior appearances so far in his career and, last season, played a pivotal role in helping Walsall reach the Sky Bet League One play-offs.
The former West Bromwich Albion trainee becomes Karl Robinson’s second signing of the summer, following the capture of midfielder Ed Upson earlier this month.
Speaking to MK Dons PlayerHD, Downing said: “I’m delighted to be here. This is a great Football Club and it’s going to be a good challenge for me – I can’t wait to get started.
“I came down to meet Karl and I was really impressed with the philosophy he has here at the Club. He instantly sold the place to me and after a look around I knew it was the move for me.”
He continued: “The manager’s philosophy suits me. I like to think I have a good range of passing and I can build out from the back, which is a big part of how MK Dons play.”
Manager Robinson added: “I've always liked Paul as a player. I’m delighted to be able to bring him to Stadium MK and I’m sure he will fit into this young, fresh and vibrant group very well.
“He’s been at the heart of Walsall’s recent success – they have always been a difficult opponent for us and Paul has played a big role in that.”
Downing, 24, has made 221 senior appearances so far in his career and, last season, played a pivotal role in helping Walsall reach the Sky Bet League One play-offs.
The former West Bromwich Albion trainee becomes Karl Robinson’s second signing of the summer, following the capture of midfielder Ed Upson earlier this month.
Speaking to MK Dons PlayerHD, Downing said: “I’m delighted to be here. This is a great Football Club and it’s going to be a good challenge for me – I can’t wait to get started.
“I came down to meet Karl and I was really impressed with the philosophy he has here at the Club. He instantly sold the place to me and after a look around I knew it was the move for me.”
He continued: “The manager’s philosophy suits me. I like to think I have a good range of passing and I can build out from the back, which is a big part of how MK Dons play.”
Manager Robinson added: “I've always liked Paul as a player. I’m delighted to be able to bring him to Stadium MK and I’m sure he will fit into this young, fresh and vibrant group very well.
“He’s been at the heart of Walsall’s recent success – they have always been a difficult opponent for us and Paul has played a big role in that.”
