MK Dons have completed the signing of Rochdale attacking midfielder Conor Grant for an undisclosed fee.
Grant, 20, arrives at Stadium MK on a long-term deal as the Club’s fifth signing of the summer.
The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international has totalled 59 club appearances so far in his career, the majority of which have come for Dale, whom he joined in February 2021. During his 16 months in Greater Manchester, Grant contributed to nine goals.
“I’m very pleased,” Grant said in his first interview with iFollow MK Dons. “I’m delighted to be here and I can’t wait to get started.
“I spoke to Liam Sweeting and the Gaffer earlier in the Summer and I was very impressed by what they had to say. How the Gaffer wants to play and how the Club is run really suits me so hopefully I will fit right in.
“I am player who will always give 100 per cent and I see myself as a creative attacking player who will hopefully keep the fans excited.”
Born in Dublin, Grant began his career with Shamrock Rovers before crossing the Irish Sea and joining Sheffield Wednesday in May 2017.
He signed his first professional contract with the Owls in December 2018 before making his debut two years later in an EFL Cup tie against Rochdale. That proved to be his only appearance for Wednesday before he, ironically, joined Rochdale for an undisclosed fee in February.
Grant made an instant impact for Dale during the 2020/21 season, featuring 20 times and scoring his first senior goal in a 2-1 win over Swindon Town. A Republic of Ireland youth international at Under-17s and Under-19s level, Grant’s form for Rochdale saw him earn his first call up to the Under-21s side in March 2021.
Grant then added a further 38 appearances to his name last season, as well as four goals and four assists, alerting the attention of a number of EFL clubs, including MK Dons who have been able to secure his services on a long-term contract.
Sporting Director Liam Sweeting said: “Conor is someone we have tracked for a while. He has attributes as an attacking midfielder that suit the way we play, and meeting him recently has shown he also has the character and determination to succeed with us.
“He is capable of building from deep, linking with players in attack and opening the door in terms of goal contributions. After presenting our opportunity to him, it became clear we are an excellent match for each other and I look forward to watching the impact he will have with us this season and beyond.”
Liam Manning added: “Conor is an exciting addition to the squad and a player we are looking forward to working with.
“He has a number of qualities, technically and physically, which we have seen from watching him regularly at Rochdale. He has shown good potential so far and it is now down to him, with the support of the staff, to unlock that promise and produce high-quality moments on a consistent basis.”
