It’s difficult to find a neutral who didn’t support AFC Wimbledon’s victory in the League Two play-offs last month, but now the Dons are having problems.
Many EFL supporters were thrilled to see Johnnie Jackson’s team win promotion at Wembley because of the club’s amazing history following the original Wimbledon team’s demise and subsequent rebirth as MK Dons.
It should be an exciting time to be associated with AFC Wimbledon as they prepare to return to the third division.
Jackson will have a lot of work to do during the summer transfer window, though, as their preparations for the forthcoming League One season have not gone so smoothly thus far.
The promotion-winning squad of AFC Wimbledon is already being dismantled.
A solid defensive unit, outstanding wide-area creative play, and team spirit were key components of that promotion-winning season.
Although we had already projected that Wimbledon would face difficulties in League One in 2025–2026, we did support them to at least stay in the league. We’re not so sure now.
Five of Wimbledon’s top players who started the game have left since that spectacular final less than a month ago.
Last season, Owen Goodman was among the top goalkeepers in the EFL. However, his loan agreement ended, and it now appears that he will likely join the Huddersfield Town revolution.
Likewise, midfielder Alistair Smith has returned to Lincoln City after his successful loan spell, creating a space in the middle of the park.
Marcus Browne, a forward, has also reached the end of his contract. Even though he only scored three goals the previous season, his work ethic and physicality have undoubtedly been a great asset to the Dons.
Additionally, Wimbledon is losing two important players to League One opponents. At the end of his contract this month, James Tilley will join Wycombe Wanderers on a free transfer. Even worse, Josh Neufville has been tempted away on a free transfer by Bradford City, another promoted team.
Wimbledon has now lost eight goals and eleven assists with those two wide men. Although it won’t be simple to replace, Jackson must attempt to reassemble his team to avoid the dangers of an immediate return to League Two.
Which players might AFC Wimbledon acquire to cover the voids?
We have put together a list of potential additions to Johnnie Jackson’s squad for the upcoming campaign in an effort to assist him in resolving these issues.
Finding a new goalie is the first, and it’s quite easy. We would recommend Matty Young from Sunderland to Wimbledon; he recently had an outstanding loan stint at Salford in League Two and appears ready for a promotion. Since the Black Cats are now in the Premier League, he is unlikely to get a chance on Wearside.
Conversely, Wimbledon might consider Mallik Wilks, who was released by Sheffield Wednesday and is currently searching for a new team. Although he is somewhat of a risk, during his loan stint with Rotherham last season, he demonstrated that he has the skills to succeed at this level.
Josh McEachran is another Championship free agent in the middle of the park who might be prepared to drop to the third division. Despite having a very different profile than Alistair Smith, he was just released by Oxford, and Wimbledon would still benefit from his experience and skill.
