MK Dons are prioritising defensive signings and an additional senior goalkeeper in the coming weeks, manager Mark Warne has confirmed, with the Carabao Cup tie against No rwich City just days away.
Defensive depth remains a concern
So far this summer the club have completed six signings, but only two of those arrivals have been defenders: Charlie Goode and Cohen Bramall. Subsequent recruits have focused on midfield and attack, leaving the squad short of cover down the left and deeper in goalkeeping options.
“I’m happy but I feel we need to strengthen,” Warne said. “I want to add in the goalkeeping department... We just need a little bit more defensive cover. On the left, we’ve only really got Cohen who can naturally play there. Ideally I want two players in every position.”
The manager pointed to the club’s experience last season when first-choice goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray suffered a concussion in the FA Cup tie at Bromley, an injury that exposed the Dons’ lack of senior backup after Connal Trueman moved on. MacGillivray remains the only senior goalkeeper registered at the club as the new campaign approaches.
Recent arrivals and areas of focus
After adding midfielders Dan Barlaser and Ryan Wintle, striker Sam Nombe and winger Sam Silvera, Warne says the priority is to shore up defensive positions — particularly on the left — and to recruit a goalkeeper who can both support and challenge MacGillivray for the starting role.
- Two defenders signed so far: Charlie Goode, Cohen Bramall
- Midfield and forward signings: Dan Barlaser, Ryan Wintle, Sam Nombe, Sam Silvera
- Only senior goalkeeper currently: Craig MacGillivray
| Position | Players signed this summer |
|---|---|
| Defence | Charlie Goode; Cohen Bramall |
| Midfield | Dan Barlaser; Ryan Wintle |
| Attack | Sam Nombe; Sam Silvera |
| Goalkeeper | Craig MacGillivray (only senior keeper) |
Silvera arrived late to pre-season activity, joining the squad after a friendly and is due to integrate fully with the team this week. Warne described the winger as someone he had pursued through the summer and believes he will strengthen the club’s options up front.
With competitive fixtures imminent, supporters will be watching closely to see whether the club can complete further signings in defence and bring in additional goalkeeping cover to meet Warne’s target of having depth in every position.
