To top off a proactive window for MK Dons, the arrival of Nico Lawrence on a season-long loan from Southampton, has been confirmed by Mike Williamson’s side.
The 21-year-old played just five times for Colchester United last season on a similar deal from the Saints. However, his time at the JobServe Community Stadium was hindered and eventually ended early due to an unfortunate injury.
During his stay at Southampton however, Lawrence has featured over 30 times in the academy set-up, but is yet to make a senior appearance since being snapped up in February 2022. The defender featured 22 times for Torquay United in a five-month spell in 2023, picking up that season’s Young Player of the Season award for the National League South side.
Having already impressed in the transfer window, MK Dons have taken their total incomings to 11. Lawrence has joined up with this new-look squad in training, ahead of a home game against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.
MK Dons' newest signing Nico Lawrence discusses his move to Stadium MK 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/toNtJkmILP
— Milton Keynes Dons (@MKDonsFC) August 2, 2024
Lawrence was asked about his latest move to the Dons, and this was his response:
“I sat down with Russell Martin for 20-30 minutes to discuss my options, and what would suit me best and help me thrive the most, and obviously it was MK!
“The style of play is something that excites me a lot, it’s similar to Southampton’s style of football, I can’t wait to kick-start and get going!”
Williamson, who has been in charge of the League Two club since October 2023, spoke highly of his new signing when asked about his potential impact on the squad.
“Nico is a highly-rated young player who had a few options this summer, so I’m delighted he’s chosen to come here and Southampton have trusted us with his continued development. He possesses the ball skills and vision required to be a real asset to our defence but also has the physicality to compete in League Two, we’re very pleased to have him.”
Writer’s View
This sounds like a perfect move for all parties. With MK Dons and Southampton opting for similar approaches tactically, this will offer some much-needed game time and experience for Lawrence, but also a chance to improve the Dons’ potential push for promotion to League One.
The 21-year-old will also be feeling optimistic having been trusted with another loan move, in the hope of a future with the Saints’ first team later down the line. Williamson has spoken very highly of Lawrence too, which will hopefully inspire the full-back to become the asset that he is expected to be.
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