Ollie Palmer’s Wrexham story is coming to an end, and a return to AFC Wimbledon just makes sense.
The experienced forward has fallen out of favour at the Racecourse, and a move back to Plough Lane could give him the perfect final chapter.
Why MK Dons Is a Non-Starter
Let’s get the laughable out of the way first. Palmer has reportedly been offered to MK Dons, which seems about as likely as Ryan Reynolds pulling on a pair of boots to lead the line himself. A self-confessed Wimbledon supporter, Palmer was open about his emotional attachment to the Dons even when he left in 2022. Expecting him to join the very franchise that Wimbledon fans despise, and he grew up opposing, is nothing short of absurd. If anything, the very mention of MK Dons in this context only underlines how much more appropriate a Wimbledon return really is.
Palmer’s connection to Wimbledon runs deep. Growing up just a short drive from the club, he described his spell there as the “best time of his career.” In his own words, he wanted to stay, and only left because the club wouldn’t meet his long-term contract demands.
That unfinished business at Plough Lane still lingers – and now, at 33, the timing feels right for both sides to finally reconnect.
Palmer’s Time at Wrexham Has Run Its Course
When Ollie Palmer signed for Wrexham in early 2022, he arrived with a price tag to match the Hollywood ambition: a £300,000 move that set a new club record. He delivered, too. Palmer and Paul Mullin were a strikeforce to be feared in the National League, scoring over 50 goals between them during that dramatic title-winning 2022/23 campaign.
But Wrexham have moved on. After climbing into League One and setting their sights on the Championship, manager Phil Parkinson has rebuilt his forward line. Ryan Hardie has come in. Kieffer Moore is joining. Palmer, meanwhile, hasn’t featured in a league match since January. It’s clear that he’s no longer part of the plan. Even his solitary post-January appearance, 30 minutes in the EFL Trophy, felt like a farewell.
His output, understandably, has dwindled. Just three goals in League One this season, and a reduced influence on the pitch. For a player of Palmer’s stature and experience, sitting out matchdays entirely is no way to go. He still has something to offer – just not at Wrexham.
Wimbledon Can Offer More Than Sentiment
This wouldn’t just be a homecoming for the sake of nostalgia. AFC Wimbledon are an ambitious club, newly promoted and determined not to make the same mistakes that saw them relegated in 2022. Johnnie Jackson has worked hard to steady the ship, guiding them to a top-ten finish last season. But for all their youthful energy and squad balance, they lack a seasoned, physical forward who knows the level.
Palmer fills that gap. He’s a League One veteran with 13 goals and 6 assists in 68 appearances at this level, and a further 61 goals in League Two. His record speaks of a player who might not dazzle, but who understands how to handle defenders, bring others into play, and win battles in both boxes.
He could be the experienced focal point to help guide this relatively young Dons side through a challenging season. With an average squad age just over 26, there’s room for an older head. Palmer may not be a guaranteed starter every week, but his leadership and connection to the club would add priceless intangibles.
Mutual Benefit All Round
Wrexham want to streamline their squad and focus on players who can drive a Championship push. Palmer wants to play football and be valued again. Wimbledon need depth, physicality, and experience. The stars align here: if the wage issue can be negotiated, there is simply no reason not to make this deal happen.
Palmer might even take a reduced deal to return to a club that still feels like home. After all, when he left Wimbledon in 2022, he didn’t burn bridges – he made it clear he’d love to return one day. That “one day” might be now.
And from Wimbledon’s point of view, it’s a no-brainer. Bringing back a fan favourite who already understands the club culture adds a feel-good factor. If Palmer scores a few vital goals and helps keep the club in League One, it’s a win. If he takes younger players under his wing, it’s a win. If he simply gives the fans something to smile about with his return, it’s a win.
Time to Write the Final Chapter
Ollie Palmer’s Wrexham journey was an undeniable success, but it’s finished. There’s no shame in that. Clubs evolve, squads change, and careers move on.
But every footballer deserves the right final chapter – and for Palmer, that chapter is at Plough Lane.
He knows it. The fans know it. Wimbledon should know it.
It’s time to make it happen.
