Milton Keynes Dons have today announced that Louis Thompson has returned to the club on a loan deal.
Thompson originally joined the Dons on loan back in January, going on to feature nine times before the Coronavirus pandemic cut the season short.
During those nine games, the 25-year-old defensive midfielder started to establish himself as a first-team regular, being named to the starting eleven seven times.
Had the season continued, Thompson likely would have played plenty more minutes for the Dons and contributed even more towards their improving league position.
With Russell Martin needing to bolster a fairly thin midfield group, his familiarity with Thompson has helped pave the way for his loan return from Norwich City, seeing him also link back up with fellow Canary Carlton Morris.
Speaking of his latest signing, Martin said: "I’m really pleased to have Louis back, he came in and made us stronger last year, but I don’t think he hit the heights he wanted to hit."
"He’s come back looking in brilliant shape, he looks the best I’ve ever seen him physically so I think we’re getting a different Louis Thompson to the one we saw last season – and I thought he was good for us last year."
"He helped us on and off the pitch and helped us with our culture and environment."
He added: "He’s going to help us even more this season and I’m really excited to have him. He was desperate to be here and help us with what we are doing."
"He’s someone we really trust and he’s going to really improve the squad, now we need another couple like him, the squad is coming along nicely and Louis adds a lot of experience and strength."
He concluded: "If we can get a fit and firing Louis Thompson – he’s a top player at this level."
The man himself is pleased to be returning to Stadium MK, commenting: "I’m delighted to be back with MK Dons, I really enjoyed the loan spell I had here last season and I can’t wait to get going again."
"As soon as I knew Russ wanted to bring me back, it was the only place I wanted to come. His style of play is one we all want to be involved in and one fans of football can enjoy watching."
"I built up a fantastic relationship with the players, staff, and the fans and I’m excited for the season ahead."
Thompson concluded: "I felt I was just getting into the swing of things before the season finished. I’ve used this period to get into the best shape I think I’ve ever been in and I can’t wait to get stuck in."
