At this time of the year there is plenty of speculation around a player’s future if they are not contracted with their current club for the following season.
That is no different for AFC Wimbledon’sRonan Curtis who is yet to agree terms with the club on a new deal. In the Dons’ retained list it stated that they were in negotiations with the forward for a new contract but nothing further has yet come out.
Curtis would only join the club in January, signing a short-term deal after being released by Portsmouth in the previous summer. It was certainly a punt by manager Johnnie Jackson given that Curtis hadn’t made a senior appearance due to injury since February 2023, but it was one that worked out rather well.
The former-Ireland international would score five goals as well as supply a further two assists in 16 appearances and has already achieved cult hero status at the club. It would be his added time winner which would defeat bitter rivals MK Dons, a goal which certainly went down well with the fans.
Given that Curtis has proved that he still possesses plenty of ability, there are some queries as to whether he’d step back up to League One if he cannot negotiate a new contract at Wimbledon.
It seems as if there’s interest as well for the forward, who has made 184 appearances in League One for Portsmouth and he could be a very decent signing for a lot of clubs now fully fit.
The Bristol Post revealed that Matt Taylor’s Bristol Rovers were interested in Curtis if he is unable to negotiate a new contract at Plough Lane. Rovers will be looking to push on next season having finished in 16th in League One this year and signing Curtis would be a move in the right direction.
According to the report, it is not only the Gas who are interested in the 28 year-old, with multiple other unnamed League One clubs also monitoring the situation.
Curtis will know that he could become a real fan favourite at Plough Lane in the years to come but the opportunity to play further up the pyramid could impact his decision.
Writer’s View
There were certainly doubts as to whether Curtis would be able to get over his long injury lay-off but he’s proved any doubters wrong during his stay with Wimbledon.
Jackson will be working hard to try and retain his services for next season but that could be a stiff task if clubs like Bristol Rovers put their money on the table. On his day, Curtis is more than good enough to star in League One and that could well be where he ends up.
The longer it goes on without any more news on the negotiations with his current club, the likelier he is to move on this summer. Given his great record in the league in front of goal, League One sides should be pursuing him which is a touch harsh on Wimbledon as they’ve given him the platform to restart his career.
Be the first to comment