MK Dons have completed the signing of Bolton Wanderers midfielder MJ Williams.
Williams, 27, joins the Football Club on a permanent transfer from the Sky Bet League One outfit.
A product of Liverpool’s Academy, Williams has totalled over 200 career appearances since making his professional debut for the Reds in September 2014.
The central midfielder, who has also played in defence on a number of occasions during his career, has spent the past two-and-a-half seasons with Bolton, with whom he won promotion from Sky Bet League Two and the EFL Trophy.
He becomes the Club’s fifth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Alex Gilbey, Cameron Norman, Nathan Harness and Craig MacGillivray.
“I’m absolutely delighted,” Williams said in an exclusive first interview with iFollow MK Dons.
“I spoke to the manager and it was a brilliant conversation. He wants promotion this season and that’s what I’ve come here for – hopefully I can add my experience and qualities to help us achieve that.
“This is a great club, who have had some great teams over the years. I think we have a good group of players here now, with some experience that the manager has added this summer. I’m looking forward to being a part of that.”
Born in Wales, Williams began his career with Wrexham before joining Liverpool’s Academy at the age of 13. He progressed through the Reds’ youth ranks before making his professional debut in their EFL Cup tie with Middlesbrough in September 2014.
Williams, who signed professional terms with Liverpool in January 2015, enjoyed three loan spells away from Anfield during his time with the Reds, totalling 32 appearances for Notts County, Swindon Town and Rochdale.
In June 2018, Williams left Liverpool to sign permanently with Dale and he would go on to spend the next two seasons in Greater Manchester, playing a further 68 times for the Spotland outfit.
Williams’ performances for Rochdale earned him an in-division move to Blackpool ahead of the 2020/21 season. The midfielder made 14 appearances for the Tangerines before joining Bolton Wanderers in February 2021.
Helping the Trotters win promotion from Sky Bet League Two that campaign, Williams remained a regular in the Bolton in the third tier, racking up a century of appearances for the Greater Manchester club while also lifting the EFL Trophy this past April.
Head Coach Graham Alexander told mkdons.com: “When I looked at the squad, we were missing a defensive-minded midfielder. Having seen MJ play for Bolton in a similar role, I’m confident he’ll give us that solid base at the back, as well as someone who can handle the ball well and contribute going forwards.
“Another thing we have been looking for in our recruitment this summer, where possible, is promotion winners – players who know what it takes to go the distance. MJ is somebody who has done that from this division, just a couple of years ago.
“When I spoke to him, he was so motivated to come to this Club. I got that enthusiasm from him straight away and it was clear he really wants to be here and help us be successful.”
