AFC Wimbledon have been handed a major transfer boost, with confirmation that current loanee Kofi Balmer will be leaving Crystal Palace this summer, as confirmed via an exclusive reveal by London News Online.
The 23-year-old arrived at the League Two side during the January transfer window after his initial spell at Port Vale was cut short and now he’s set to become a free agent this summer once his contract at Selhurst Park expires.
How has Balmer faired this season?
Balmer began the 2023/24 campaign with League One side Port Vale, making 16 appearances in all competitions, but the vast majority of those arose from the substitutes bench.
This led to his loan spell being cut short, and he was allowed to make the short switch to League Two side AFC Wimbledon to see out both the season and his contract.
Since making the move in January, Balmer has made 14 appearances for AFC Wimbledon, starting more matches and scoring his only goal during a 2-0 away victory against Notts County.
Are Wimbledon likely to be interested?
The 23-year-old has already earned senior international caps for Northern Ireland as well as making the Premier League match-day squad for Crystal Palace under former manager Patrick Vieira.
He is also available on a free transfer and isn’t subject to a tribunal due to the Premier League side opting against offering him fresh terms and has slotted into Wimbledon’s back three with ease this season.
Therefore, there is a strong possibility that AFC Wimbledon could be interested in landing the defender this summer, but they aren’t likely to be alone in their pursuit of his signature this summer and whether or not they reach the top seven could be another alternative factor.
Would a move to Wimbledon benefit Balmer?
Given Balmer’s age, he will likely be in demand of regular first-team football next season, especially following on from his spell with both Port Vale and AFC Wimbledon this season.
This could be of benefit to AFC Wimbledon as the defender has already established himself as a regular member of the starting eleven and will know that if he signs permanently, he will continue to play week in, week out at the Dons.