Young Leicester City defender Darnell Johnson has joined AFC Wimbledon on a loan deal until May 31, subject to clearance from the Football League. Johnson spent the first half of this season on loan at League One struggler’s Wigan Athletic, making 11 appearances in all competitions, and will wear the number 27 for The Dons.
Johnson Third January Signing for AFC Wimbledon
Darnell Johnson Eager to Get Going at Wimbledon
Johnson’s loan to AFC Wimbledon means that he becomes manager Glyn Hodges third signing of the January transfer window as The Dons look to climb away from the League One relegation zone. Johnson joins goalkeeper Sam Walker and midfielder George Dobson in the club’s ranks and is keen to get started in a league he knows well.
Speaking to AFC Wimbledon’s website, Johnson said: “The whole club appealed to me. I know it’s fan-owned. I was also impressed with the stadium and the start to the season the boys made. It’s a good platform for me to develop.”
The Dons manager, Hodges, voiced that this was a deal that he’d hoped could have been done before Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Crewe Alexandra. Now that the deal is done, the 22-year-old is immediately in contention to start Wimbledon’s next game against Doncaster Rovers in the league.
Johnson Career so Far
English defender Johnson is primarily a centre-back but can play anywhere across the back four. He joined Leicester aged ten and his loan at Wigan the first half of this season was his first experience of senior football in the English Football League. Johnson has been on loan before this season, at Scottish Premiership side Hibernian, however, he only managed one appearance in his time north of the border.
Johnson is yet to make his first-team debut for Leicester and will be keen to impress in his time at Plough Lane to try and catch Brendan Rodgers’ attention. The youngster has risen through the England youth ranks, as well as Leicester’s, and was an important part of the England U19 team that won the 2017 UEFA European U19 Championship, beating Portugal in the final.
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