Former Charlton Athletic Forward Targets Transfer Reunion

Former Charlton Athletic striker Lyle Taylor is reportedly keen to return to AFC Wimbledon this summer, according to journalist Richard Cawley via London News Online.

The 34-year-old has left League One side Cambridge United following the expiry of his contract and reportedly has his eyes set on a dream return to AFC Wimbledon this summer in League Two.

How did Taylor fair last season?

Taylor began the summer as a free agent following his departure from Nottingham Forest but joined League One side Wycombe Wanderers in November. He made nine appearances in all competitions for Matt Bloomfield’s side before leaving in January.

Following his departure, Taylor joined Cambridge United where he saw out the remainder of the 2023/24 season. Under Garry Monk, Taylor made 14 appearances for the club, netting three goals as the club secured their safety for the second consecutive season.

Why is Taylor adored at AFC Wimbledon?

After leaving Bournemouth in 2012, Taylor spent three years searching for a regular place to call home and he found that with AFC Wimbledon. He spent three years (2015-2018) with the football club, making 150 appearances (the most for any club in his career) whilst scoring 55 goals and providing 21 additional assists.

During his debut campaign, Taylor helped the Dons to finish seventh in League Two and earn promotion via the play-offs into the third tier. The club then managed to secure safety in both of his remaining seasons before he left for Charlton Athletic in 2018 and later moved on to Nottingham Forest.

Since Taylor’s departure, AFC Wimbledon have dropped down to League Two whilst he has featured in the Championship and made the match-day squad in the Premier League.

How important is Taylor’s next move?

At 34, Taylor is approaching the latter stages of his career and is likely to be in the mindset of wanting to play and enjoy football rather than focusing on money.

He is adored by AFC Wimbledon fans for helping the club to reach League One for the first time in their history and is likely to be the main figure in attack alongside the likes of Matty Stevens and Josh Kelly next season.

After a tough few seasons, seeing London News Online reporting that Taylor wants to return to Wimbledon suggests that he wants to find a club he feels at home at rather than gamble on moving somewhere else.