MK Dons have completed the signing of Leyton Orient attacking midfielder Dan Kemp for an undisclosed fee.
Kemp, 23, is the latest Deadline Day arrival at Stadium MK and reunites with Liam Manning, with whom he worked under at West Ham United.
The former Chelsea youngster arrives having contributed to 22 goals in 72 senior appearances, most of which for Orient, but also during loan spells with Stevenage and Blackpool.
Kemp is also a former England youth international at Under-19 and Under-20 level and will bolster the Dons’ attacking options this season and beyond.
“I’m absolutely delighted to get the deal over the line,” Kemp said in his first interview with iFollow MK Dons. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and I can’t wait to get going.
“I know the Gaffer really well and hopefully there are some good times to come working with him. We’ve had some chats about the Club and what he wants from me – I am ready to do what it takes to help him and the team.
“This is clearly an ambitious and exciting young squad and the Club is clearly heading in the right direction - it’s something I’m looking forward to being a part of.”
Kemp joined Chelsea at the age of six and spent 10 years with the Blues before moving across the capital to West Ham United in 2015.
During his time with the Hammers, Kemp worked under MK Dons Head Coach Liam Manning while he also spent time on loan with Stevenage and Blackpool ahead of a permanent move to Leyton Orient in January 2021.
Kemp enjoyed an excellent first four months at Brisbane Road, finding the net five times and providing three assists in just 24 appearances. He has since added to that total, playing a further 25 games, scoring another goal and setting up four.
Sporting Director Liam Sweeting said: “Dan is someone Liam and I have discussed throughout January and I am delighted that we were able to get a deal over the line to bring him to Stadium MK on Deadline Day.
“Dan has fantastic technical ability, shows a real understanding of our style of football and is versatile to fit a number of positions. He is also a top professional and his character will fit into our group straight away.
“He joins us permanently to both make an impact now and develop further over the future.”
Head Coach Liam Manning added: “Dan is a player I have worked with before and I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue with his development.
“He is a great character fit and also adds real quality in the attacking third of the pitch – he is an exciting addition to the squad for now and in future.”
