MK Dons have been underwhelming so far this season, currently occupying 11th place in League Two with a large squad at their disposal.
Despite having so many players to choose from, it appears that manager Scott Lindsey has started to figure out which players suit him best. This has resulted in a number of players falling down the pecking order in recent weeks.
Now the January transfer window has opened, it would be reasonable to suggest that some of these players may depart the club before the window slams shut again at the end of the month.
Loanee striker Sonny Finch has already departed, returning to Middlesbrough after making just eight appearances with no starts in league fixtures.
However, this article will identify four higher-profile players who could be departing The Dons this January.
Jack Tucker
Centre-back Jack Tucker has been playing his football in Milton Keynes since June 2022 back when The Dons were in League One. Back then he was a regular in the matchday squad but as time’s gone by, Tucker’s influence has diminished.
Fast forward to the current season and the 25-year-old has barely featured, making just nine league appearances with the last one being a home game against Port Vale in early October. Tucker hasn’t even appeared on the bench for MK Dons since November ninth in a home fixture against Swindon Town.
Given Lindsey’s recent squad selections, Tucker could have fallen as low as ninth-choice centre-back, falling behind midfielder MJ Williams and academy products Callum Tripp and Charlie Waller.
With these stats in mind, it seems likely that Tucker will depart within this window. His one-on-one defending abilities and his strength in the air may be enough for him to make a sidestep to another League Two Club. A reasonable suggestion would be Grimsby Town as they’re capable of playing possession football but will likely need defensive reinforcements to support the likes of Cameron McJannet.
Stephen Wearne
Stephen Wearne is debatably the highest-profile player on this list, having made 11 league appearances this season, the last of which came in the 6-3 defeat at Newport County.
Despite having a reasonable amount of gametime, the attacking midfielder hasn’t made much of an impact this season, with his only goal coming in an EFL Trophy fixture against Colchester United.
The 24-year-old’s work-rate off the ball had probably been enough to keep him in the matchday squad but with no appearances to his name since Christmas, it seems likely that his time at MK Dons could be coming to an end.
Wearne was originally signed for The Dons by Mike Williamson who now manages Carlisle. The relegation-threatened side have already made a number of signings this window, so perhaps Wearne could be the next in line. Alternatively, the midfielder has connections at League One side Crawley Town through former Gateshead boss Rob Elliott.
Tommy Leigh
Another attacking midfielder that could be on his way out is Tommy Leigh. The 24-year-old only arrived at MK Dons in June but it appears he’s already lost his way having not appeared in the matchday squad since early December.
Unlike the previous names on this list, Leigh has made some sort of impact on the pitch this season, scoring one goal and assisting four in his 12 league appearances. He has also shown a decent level of versatility, operating as a lone striker at times in the absence of Callum Hendry and Ellis Harrison.
However Leigh’s natural position in the squad was right attacking midfield, a spot that is now being occupied by the likes of Hendry, Joe White and Liam Kelly. This leaves the 24-year-old out of the equation.
Bradford City could be a good potential destination for Leigh. The Bantams have lost star striker Andy Cook to injury and Leigh could provide a few goals, even if it means stepping out of his natural position again.
Joe Pritchard
Leigh was one of two Accrington Stanley players to move to MK Dons in the summer, the other being Joe Pritchard. Unfortunately, the 28-year-old has failed to live up to expectations, making just four league appearances.
On the rare occasions Pritchard has played, he’s been primarily used as a wingback, despite joining the club as a midfielder.
Whilst covering for the injured Joe Tomlinson, Pritchard did have one moment to shine when assisting a goal against Chesterfield, helping put his side ahead inside 20 seconds of the game starting.
Beyond that, there’s been little to suggest that Pritchard will be able to maintain his spot in the side, especially since natural wingback Brooklyn Ilunga has started appearing on the bench for Dons in recent fixtures.
It feels like the summer acquisitions from Accrington have been a bit of a failed experiment so it may be time for Pritchard to move elsewhere to find regular football. Perhaps a return north to a club like Harrogate Town could be beneficial for him, where he might have a chance to display his creative abilities in a more advanced role.
These are just four names that could depart MK Dons this January. It seems likely that Scott Lindsey will streamline his squad over the course of this transfer window so it wouldn’t be a shock to see more familiar faces depart over the next few weeks.