MK Dons have completed the loan signing of Rotherham United forward Joshua Kayode.
Kayode, 22, will spend the 2022/23 campaign at Stadium MK and becomes the Club’s 14th signing of the summer transfer window.
A Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, Kayode is a product of the Millers’ Academy system and last season made 29 appearances for the Yorkshiremen as they won promotion to the Sky Bet Championship as well the Papa John’s Trophy.
He has also spent time on loan away from the AESSEAL New York Stadium, scoring a total of 17 goals across spells with Gateshead and Carlisle United.
“I’m delighted to be here,” Kayode told iFollow MK Dons in his first interview since arriving on loan. “As soon as I spoke to the Gaffer, it was a no brainer for me that this was the right place for me to develop as a player and a person.
“The style of play is great and it’s something I can see myself fitting into. I’m a hard-worker who likes to get in behind and run at players, and I’m good in the air too - hopefully I can bring all of that in to help the team.
“I knew a few of the lads from being with the Ireland team and I know Griggy from playing with him at Rotherham last season. I’m sure they’ll help me settle in and I just can’t wait to get started.”
Born in Nigeria, Kayode grew up in Dublin, Ireland, before making the move to England and joining Rotherham United’s Academy. He signed professional terms with the Millers in November 2017, the same season in which he made his senior debut as a substitute in their EFL Trophy tie with Manchester City U21.
Kayode spent a month with Chesterfield during the 2018/19 season before joining Gateshead on loan in August 2019. The forward scored six goals in 22 league appearances for the Tynesiders before returning to Rotherham and agreeing a new long-term contract.
Making a loan switch to Carlisle United in January 2020, Kayode scored three goals in five games for the Cumbrians before the season’s curtailment due to Covid-19. He returned to Brunton Park in 2020/21 and continuing his form in front of goal, netting eight times.
Kayode’s form out on loan earned him the opportunity at first-team football for Rotherham United last season and he played a total of 28 times, playing his part as the Millers won promotion to the Sky Bet Championship as well the Papa John’s Trophy – Kayode started their Final victory over Sutton United.
The forward is also a Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, who has totalled 14 caps since making his debut in November 2020, as well as two goals.
Sporting Director Liam Sweeting said: “At this stage of the transfer window, we were only interested in adding someone who could bring qualities and strengths that we feel would compliment the group and make us stronger. I am therefore delighted that we have been able to bring in Josh who is an excellent fit, as a person first and foremost, as well as with his athleticism, aggression and size.
“Where we want to go to as a club aligns well with Josh's ambitions and I look forward to working with him for this season. I would like to specifically thank Paul Warne, Rob Scott and Paul Douglas for the trust they have shown in us to provide Josh the next opportunity in his career.”
Head Coach Liam Manning added: "Josh is an exciting addition and his qualities, both physically and technically, will certainly add to the group.
“We are looking forward to working with him and we thank Paul Warne and Rotherham for allowing us the opportunity.”
