AFC Wimbledon complete Joe Lewis signing from Stockport

AFC Wimbledon have completed the signing of Joe Lewis on a permanent deal from League Two side Stockport.

Our paper reported on Monday that the South Londoners had a bid accepted by Stockport for Lewis, who initially joined Johnnie Jackson’s side on a season-long loan at the start of the 2023-24 season.

The 24-year-old was set to be recalled from his loan spell at Plough Lane by Dave Challinor’s side, but our paper understands the Dons have paid a six-figure sum, understood to have surpassed the fee paid to Charlton Athletic for Josh Davison at the start of the 2022-23 season, to land Lewis on a fixed contract.

Lewis was a hit during the first half of the season, making 28 appearances in all competitions and scoring three goals in the process.

He formed a partnership at the back with Ryan Johnson, who also arrived in the summer, with Wimbledon seventh in the League Two table heading into Saturday’s clash against Wrexham.

Lewis told the club website: “It’s a great feeling. I’ve spent the last six months here and really enjoyed it. It’s an important move for me, I’m playing good football and feel I can kick on with the Ccub now.

“The relationship I have with the manager. Craig [Cope, head of football operations] has been massive in getting this done. The communication through the whole process has been constant and it’s something we’ve all wanted to get sorted. Our aim has to be pushing for promotion – if we’re playing League One football next season, that’ll be great.

“I’ve seen a lot of the posts and feelings from the fans about the prospect of me staying here, it’s been great to see. I’ve felt it deeply.”

Johnnie Jackson said: “I’m delighted that Joe has joined us on a permanent deal. He’s been brilliant for us this season. He’s been an ever-present in the team when he’s been available to play.

“When it looked like we might be able to do something with Stockport, we were desperately keen to make it happen. The lad has loved being with us and playing for Wimbledon, he’s shown that week in, week out. He was as equally enthusiastic as us to get this done when the opportunity came along.”