Clubs around the Football League are announcing their retained lists for the 2022/23 season, and one player set to leave his club could be of great interest to Milton Keynes Dons.
Ethan Robson was a vital part of the Dons during the first half of the season, having arrived on loan from Championship side Blackpool, forging a strong partnership with Matt O'Riley in the heart of Liam Manning's midfield.
Often one of the first names on the teamsheet, courtesy of his tenacious and physical style of play that became a great facilitator for the likes of O'Riley and Scott Twine, Robson featured in 23 games for the Dons - scoring a goal and assisting on another.
He was a popular player at Stadium MK, and his sudden loan recall back to Blackpool came as a shock to many. What has arguably been even more disappointing, is the fact that the 25-year-old, who was recalled due to injury issues within the Seasiders' squad, featured in just two matches since his return.
With playing opportunities clearly limited in the Championship, many felt that the player deserved to remain at Stadium MK and continue to play regular first-team football.
So highly thought of, Robson even made an appearance at the team's recent End of Season Awards. He was invited along with other players that saw their loans end in January, but Manning himself addressed talk that a reunion could be on the cards in the future.
Unsurprisingly, the Dons head coach was fairly non-committal at the time, saying: "There is a lot of work going on, recruitment-wise, but until it’s clear where we’re at, we cannot really move on anything."
However, there is far more certainty around both the club and Robson's own personal situations.
The Dons, despite their dominant efforts in the second leg of the playoff semi-final, will continue to play League One football next season, whereas Blackpool have listed Robson as one of the players who will depart the club in the summer.
Robson's contract is expiring, which means he will be looking to make a free transfer elsewhere and the Dons could be a prime destination for him to land. After his recall, the Dons brought in Conor Coventry to fill the void and were provided solid performances - a seamless transition by all accounts.
With Coventry returning to West Ham, the need to bring in more players in the centre of midfield returns and being able to bring back a player that is familiar with the system, players and coaching staff, seems like a logical step as the Dons look to build for another strong campaign in 2022/23.
Robson truly enjoyed his time at Stadium MK, and the fanbase would undoubtedly welcome him back with open arms. With things aligning as they are, surely this is a move that could be on the cards in the near future.
