Paul Warne is utilising his Derby County transfer model at MK Dons, now another free agent is in ‘talks’
Paul Warne appears to be sticking with a familiar formula as he begins shaping MK Dons in his own image, echoing the transfer strategy he employed so successfully at Derby County. With the summer transfer window heating up, the former Rams boss is making moves behind the scenes—and sources confirm that another free agent is now in discussions with the club.
Warne, who was recently appointed as MK Dons manager, has wasted no time in putting his stamp on the squad. Drawing from his time at Derby County, where he prioritised a disciplined recruitment model focused on free transfers, character, and tactical fit, he is once again leaning on experience and smart squad building rather than high spending.
At Derby, Warne brought in several seasoned professionals on free deals, blending leadership with on-pitch consistency. That model helped stabilise the club and push them into promotion contention. Now, at Stadium MK, he seems determined to replicate that success using the same practical approach—starting with targeted conversations with out-of-contract players.
According to reports from inside the club, MK Dons are currently in advanced talks with an unnamed free agent midfielder, a player described as “technically sound and with a strong leadership profile.” While Warne has remained tight-lipped about the identity of the potential signing, he did hint earlier this week that the club was “close to a couple of deals that fit the long-term project.”
“Bringing in the right characters is just as important as bringing in talent,” Warne said in a recent interview. “We’re building something here that isn’t just for one season. We want to create a team that has a strong identity, is resilient, and can grow together. The players we’re speaking to now understand that vision.”
The free agent market has become increasingly important for clubs operating with tight budgets, and Warne’s past record suggests he knows how to extract real value from it. By focusing on players who are hungry for opportunity and eager to prove themselves, MK Dons could benefit from the kind of disciplined recruitment that earned Warne plaudits during his time at Rotherham and Derby.
MK Dons supporters are beginning to see the outlines of a new era forming. Several trialists have been spotted training with the first team, and multiple backroom appointments—also familiar faces from Warne’s previous roles—have already been confirmed.
Fan reactions to the transfer strategy so far have been largely positive, with many praising the club’s commitment to long-term planning rather than short-term gambles. The prospect of another experienced free agent arriving soon has only added to the growing sense of optimism.
