Milton Keynes Dons have announced the permanent return of forward Sam Nombe, who rejoins the club where he progressed through the youth ranks. The 27-year-old signs for an undisclosed fee, adding further experience to the Dons’ attacking options.
Experienced striker returns to familiar surroundings
Nombe originally broke into the MK Dons first team in 2017 and remained at the club until 2021. Since leaving, he has amassed experience across the English Football League, with spells at Exeter City and, most recently, Rotherham United, whom he joined in August 2023. Across his career to date he has made 294 EFL appearances and scored 66 goals.
His first professional League goal for MK Dons came in a notable fixture against AFC Wimbledon in 2019, a moment the club and supporters will recall as he returns.
What the club said
“Sam is a forward I’ve always liked who doesn’t give a moment’s peace to the opposition’s back line,”
MK Dons head coach Paul Warne highlighted Nombe’s attributes on arrival, praising his physicality, aerial threat and work rate. Warne added that the striker "thrives off crosses" and expects the squad and staff to be able to help Nombe reach further potential.
- Player: Sam Nombe
- Age: 27
- Previous clubs since leaving MK Dons: Exeter City, Rotherham United
- Career EFL record: 294 appearances, 66 goals
- Transfer: Permanent, fee undisclosed
Local impact and squad context
Nombe’s return bolsters MK Dons’ forward line with a player familiar with the club’s environment and supporters. His track record across League Two, League One and the Championship brings versatility and knowledge of different competitive levels within the EFL. Warne indicated the signing strengthens "a very strong department" of the squad and suggested the move was straightforward because the player was determined to return to Milton Keynes.
| Season | Notable clubs |
|---|---|
| 2017–2021 | MK Dons (first-team breakthrough) |
| 2021–2023 | Exeter City (League Two & League One) |
| 2023–2024 | Rotherham United (Championship) |
Supporters will be keen to see how Nombe fits into Warne’s tactical plans, particularly given the manager’s emphasis on crossing and physical forwards. With the transfer complete, attention now turns to how quickly he can integrate and contribute goals for the Dons.
Further details on the length of Nombe’s contract and whether he will be available for the next fixture were not disclosed by the club at the time of the announcement.
