League One side Milton Keynes Dons have completed the signing of Walsall defender Zak Jules.
The 23-year-old arrives at Stadium MK as the third defensive addition after the arrivals of Harry Darling and Ethan Laird – plus the permanent acquisition of Warren O’Hora.
Jules was out of contract in the summer, but the Dons have moved early after losing Richard Keogh, George Williams, Baily Cargill and Regan Poole in this window.
Zak Jules Signs for MK Dons
Zak Jules is a Don ✍️#DonDeal pic.twitter.com/xMNCdJP5Un
— Milton Keynes Dons (@MKDonsFC) February 1, 2021
The Much-Needed Left-Sided Defender
The Dons were once heavily-stacked with left-sided defenders, possession Cargill, Jordan Moore-Taylor and Joe Walsh while also having Dean Lewington able to operate there.
The three aforementioned players have since left the club, leaving Lewington the only naturally left-footed centre-back at the club.
Jules’ addition, therefore, is much needed. Lewington’s importance to the side means he may not get much of a look-in straight away, but at 36, Lewington, will not be around for too much longer.
It’s certainly a look to the future from Dons boss Russell Martin as he continues his swift overhaul of the squad left to him by previous boss Paul Tisdale.
The Express and Star report that it is unknown what Walsall will receive in terms of a fee – although given the time left on Jules’ deal with the West Midlands clubs, it’s unlikely to be too high.
Jules’ Career So Far
After coming through the academy at Reading, Jules had loan spells in non-league with Hemel Hempstead Town and Braintree Town and in Scotland with Motherwell before signing permanently for Shrewsbury Town.
He never made an appearance for Salop, though, and instead had loan spells at Chesterfield, Port Vale and Barnet before signing for Macclesfield Town in 2019.
Jules then linked up with Walsall at the start of the 2019/20 season and has since gone on to make 42 appearances for the club, scoring twice.
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