MK Dons have announced their retained list following the conclusion of the 2021/22 campaign, with 14 players under contract for the upcoming season.
The following 12 players are currently under contract with MK Dons for the 2022/23 season:
Harry Darling, Jack Davies, Mo Eisa, Brooklyn Ilunga, Lewis Johnson, Zak Jules, Dan Kemp, Dean Lewington, Warren O’Hora, Franco Ravizzoli, Matt Smith, Scott Twine.
MK Dons have exercised their options to extend the contracts of the following two players, whose current deals were set to expire at the end of June:
Daniel Harvie, Tennai Watson.
MK Dons have made contract offers to the following two players, whose current deals are set to expire at the end of June:
David Kasumu, Josh McEachran
The Club have, at this time, not made contract offers to the following six players, whose current deals are set to expire at the end of June:
Aden Baldwin, Jay Bird, Hiram Boateng, John Freeman, Brandon Mason, Connor Wickham
The following five players will return to their parent clubs following the expiration of their loan deals:
Theo Corbeanu, Conor Coventry, Jamie Cumming, Kaine Kesler Hayden, Troy Parrott
Sporting Director Liam Sweeting told mkdons.com: “Starting with the players who joined us on loan, we thank them for their efforts and how they bought into the culture we have at MK Dons. I believe all of them, as well as those who left in January, will have positive things to say about MK Dons and how they improved as a player and a person here.
“Part and parcel of the game is then saying goodbye to some players at the end of their contracts. Some of these guys have been with the Club a long time, such as Hiram, who made a real impact last season, as well as Jay and John who came through our Academy. I want to reinforce that we remain available to help in any way that we can as they approach the next chapter of their careers.
“Managing change is something we have been able to do well over the last 12 months and this will be something that remains important as we go through another summer window as a League One club. I'm excited by the types of players we are discussing and remain confident we will be competitive again come the start of the 2022/23 season.”
Head Coach Liam Manning commented: “It is always difficult having to say goodbye to those who have contributed over the course of the season. We are grateful to the efforts of all those who are leaving us, including the five loan players who showed real commitment and desire despite only spending a short few months here at Stadium MK.
“Change is part and parcel of the industry and is something we, as a Football Club, must embrace if we are to continue evolving. This transfer window provides us with another opportunity to build and improve on what is a talented young squad and that is something we are working hard on already, ahead of next season.”
MK Dons would to thank all those who will be departing the Club for their contributions and wish each and every one of them every success in the future.
Aden Baldwin joined MK Dons in July 2021 after an impressive trial period with the Club. He made his debut on the opening day of the 2021/22 campaign and went on to total 16 appearances last season, including 11 starts.
Jay Bird is a product of the Club’s Academy, progressing from Under-9s to sign professional terms in June 2019. The striker made six appearances across his three seasons in the first team and scored three goals.
Hiram Boateng was MK Dons’ first signing in summer 2019, arriving on compensation terms following his departure from Exeter City. The ex-Crystal Palace man totalled 65 club appearances, 37 of which came last season, while he also scored five goals.
John Freeman joined the MK Dons Academy aged nine and turned professional in summer 2020. The midfielder went on to play 11 times for the Dons, including four league appearances during the 2020/21 campaign.
Brandon Mason was a free agent signing in March, bolstering MK Dons’ defensive options for the final months of the season. While unable to make an appearance during his short spell at Stadium MK, the left-back was included in three matchday squads.
Connor Wickham joined MK Dons on a free transfer in January, after leaving Sky Bet Championship side Preston North End. The experienced striker featured in 15 games and scored one goal – the winner in the 2-1 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Theo Corbeanu arrived on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in January and featured in 17 games this season, scoring once and providing one assist. His solitary goal was a stunning strike away at Portsmouth – the decisive effort in a 2-1 win at Fratton Park.
Conor Coventry was brought in late during the January Transfer Window but went on to start every one of the 22 games he was available for. The West Ham United loanee contributed to two goals, including an superb solo effort in the 2-1 win over Crewe Alexandra – his first senior goal.
Jamie Cumming made the switch to Stadium MK in January after being recalled from his loan spell at Gillingham to spend the remainder of last season with MK Dons. The Chelsea goalkeeper played all 23 games after his arrival and kept 10 clean sheets as well as producing a number of impressive - and important – saves.
Kaine Kesler Hayden was a Deadline Day loan signing from Aston Villa, who made 17 appearances during his three months with MK Dons. The wing-back scored one goal and one assist – his only goal coming in the 2-0 triumph away at Charlton Athletic in February.
Troy Parrott was the only summer loan signing who spent the entire season with MK Dons. The Tottenham Hotspur forward made a real impression during his time at Stadium MK and was involved in 17 goals in 47 games, while he also claimed the Club’s Goal of the Season award for his excellent strike against AFC Wimbledon.
