John Freeman has put pen to paper on a contract extension to remain with MK Dons beyond this season.
Freeman, who has been with the Club since the age of eight, turned professional in September and has totalled 11 appearances so far in his first senior season, including five starts.
The 19-year-old midfielder provided a pair of assists in the Papa John’s Trophy victory over Northampton Town and also featured in Sky Bet League One wins over Wigan Athletic, Bristol Rovers, Swindon Town and Fleetwood Town.
“I’m over the moon,” Freeman told iFollow MK Dons after signing his new contract. “I’m a fan of the Club and I love the Club so to be able to sign and remain a part of the process is a dream.
“I am very grateful to Russ and all the staff for being able to get some game time this season and for the opportunity so far. I definitely have to look at the bigger picture - I want to be in the first team and making a difference as soon as possible but I am nowhere near the finished article yet and this season has been about developing myself.
“I’d love to play a couple of games before the end of the season but it’s up to me to work my way in. That’s going to be tough because of the midfielders we’ve got, but I’ve got to fight in training to earn my minutes.”
Freeman joined MK Dons as an eight-year-old and progressed through the Academy set-up before becoming a scholar in 2018.
During his two-year apprenticeship period, the midfielder captained the Under-18s on several occasions while also spending time on loan with St. Neots Town, Wantage Town, Kempston Rovers, and Aylesbury United.
Freeman’s scholarship was due to end in June 2020 but, having spent a considerable amount of time on the sidelines due to two major injuries, he was granted an extension until his 19th birthday in November last year.
Handed an opportunity in the first-team this past summer, Freeman certainly took his chance, impressing enough early on to earn his first professional contract in September – one he has now renewed.
MK Dons manager Russell Martin said: “We’re really pleased for Jonny. He’s a great character to have around the building and we look forward to being able to develop him even further.
“He still has a lot of development to go through, both physically and technically, but he’s got a brilliant attitude. He’s shown a lot of resilience and determination and has already come a long way.”
Martin added: “It’s another sign of intent that we are trying to bring local players through our Academy and into the first team.”
