MK Dons have completed the deadline day signings of Premier League duo Matt Smith and Kaine Kesler.
Midfielder Smith arrives on a permanent deal from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee, while Kesler, a right-wingback, joins on loan from Aston Villa for the remainder of the campaign.
They become the fourth and fifth additions of the window for Liam Manning’s side after the signings of Theo Corbeanu, Jamie Cumming and Conor Coventry.
Premier League Duo Sign for MK Dons
Smith Joins From English Champions
Matt Smith is a Don ✍️#DonDeal pic.twitter.com/mHoqMHuz1f
— Milton Keynes Dons (@MKDonsFC) January 31, 2022
Despite being just 22-years-old, Smith joins the Dons having already made over 100 career appearances. The majority of these were made on loan spells at FC Twente and Doncaster Rovers and he has also spent time at Hull City, Charlton Athletic and Queens Park Rangers.
Internationally, Smith has made 15 appearances for Wales and was part of their squad at last year’s European Championships.
On his move, Smith told the club website: “It was time for me to move on away from City and I don’t think I could have found a better club to join. The facilities here are fantastic and the players and staff seem fantastic too. There is a real project going on here and I wanted to be a part of that.
“We’ve got a quality squad who have done really well this season – hopefully I can add to that and help the team achieve its goals.”
Kesler Comes in on Loan
Kaine Kesler is a Don ✍️#DonDeal pic.twitter.com/PLh7Lgo3uG
— Milton Keynes Dons (@MKDonsFC) January 31, 2022
The Dons have also completed the signing of defender Kesler from Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa.
Kesler, an England U20 international, spent the first half of this season in League Two with Swindon Town.
The 19-year-old captained a young Villains side to FA Youth Cup success in 2021 and made his senior debut for the side against Liverpool just over a year ago.
On the move, he said: “It was time for me to take the next step in my development and when I heard MK Dons were interested, my head was turned.
“The style of play was a massive draw for me – I’ve been brought up on this style of football at Aston Villa so it suits me perfectly.”
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