Wycombe Wanderers have benefitted from Nottingham Forest’s latest transfer business by capturing their latest signing on a season-long loan.
The Premier League side announced they had struck a deal with league rivals Chelsea earlier today over the acquisition of 19-year-old striker Donnell McNeilly. The teenager had been a key part of the Blues’ academy set up and scored 15 times for the club’s under-21s last season, earning him a nomination for the Premier League 2 Player of the Season.
His move to the City Ground was first reported by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano this afternoon, with Wycombe seen as a potential destination to give the attacker his first taste of senior football. Forest duly confirmed the news, stating he will spend the campaign at Adams Park after committing to a three-year deal.
Dodds Excited To Add ‘Exciting Dimension’ To Attack
After blowing what looked like certain promotion last season, Wycombe have endured a dreadful start to the new League One season. They sit 23rd in the table after six games and are still searching for their first win following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against high-flying Stevenage.
Head coach Dodds is starting to find himself under pressure from some aspects of the supporters. However, it’s fair to say that their summer activity is taking some time to gel, with McNeilly the 13th new arrival at the club this summer.
A glimpse of Wycombe can expect from their latest acquisition 😳#Chairboyspic.twitter.com/RH8tZfyCjZ
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The Chairboys are still getting used to life without talisman Richard Kone following his move to Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers last month. Bradley Fink arrived from Swiss outfit FC Basel, but he has been absent from the last five league outings.
Speaking to official club media, Dodds admitted he was looking forward to integrating McNeilly into his squad:
“Donnell’s a really promising young striker who’s caught the eye in academy football and has got all the attributes to step into senior football and bring another exciting dimension to our attack.
“As well as his goalscoring ability, he’s got a lot of pace and works hard along the frontline so we’re pleased to bring him into the club and look forward to working with him over the course of the season.”
Writer’s View
Donnell McNeilly is a very exciting prospect and it will be interesting to see how he adapts to senior football. He has some experience at this level though, having made six appearances in the EFL Trophy with Chelsea under-21s. This included a goal against Bromley last season, so he clearly knows where the back of the net it. This could be a shrewd acquisition for Wycombe, who are in desperate need of a lift.
