Milton Keynes Dons have today announced the permanent signing of striker Will Grigg.
The 31-year-old Northern Ireland international joins the Dons on a free transfer after his departure from recently promoted side Sunderland, making it his third spell at Stadium MK.
Grigg had two successful loan spells with the Dons, during the 2014/15 promotion campaign and more recently in the 2020/21 season - combining for 30 goals in 70 appearances across both spells, making him the ninth-highest goalscorer in the club's history to date and the holder of two Goal of the Season awards at the club.
Grigg had been training with the Dons for the past few weeks, and even travelled with the team to their pre-season camp in the Republic of Ireland, and there had been talk over a potential deal.
Now, Grigg gives the Dons some help up front with leading striker Mo Eisa sidelined due to injury and likely to miss a large portion of the start of the 2022/23 campaign.
Speaking of his return to the club, Grigg commented: "It’s amazing to be here. I’ve had two great loans here but to finally make a permanent move is really exciting and I really appreciate everyone at the Club who has worked hard to make this happen."
"I had quite a few offers on the table but as soon as the interest came from here, it was something that appealed to me massively - this Club has always had a place in my heart but it’s not just about that, it’s also where I think is best for me to score goals and be successful."
"The fans have also been a massive factor. In the first season they were unbelievable with me and while it wasn’t the same in that second spell, I still saw the support through social media."
He concluded: "To be able to come back and play in front of the fans again will be fantastic and hopefully we, as a team, can give them something to shout about.”
Sporting Director Liam Sweeting said: "I am delighted to welcome Griggy back for a third spell with the Club – but the first time on a permanent basis. He is someone that everyone at the Club holds in really high regard but, most importantly, will bring quality, understanding and a real goal threat to our group."
"Will has built an incredible career with several promotions from this level and I am really pleased we’re welcoming him back to MK Dons for this next chapter in his journey."
Head Coach Liam Manning said: "We are pleased to have Griggy on board. He is someone the Club knows well from his time here before but this summer was the first opportunity that we, as a coaching staff, had to work with him."
"We have been impressed with his character, first and foremost, but also what he can offer us at the top end of the pitch. He has shown, in training with us and throughout his career, that he will score goals and bring quality in attacking areas."
