‘Smart with it’ – Dons boss Jackson outlines plans for summer transfer market

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson says the club will sign players permanently in the summer – but also admitted they will have to “dip” into the loan market.

A large part of Wimbledon’s success at the start of the season, which saw Jackson’s side on the cusp of the play-offs at the beginning of the new year, came through loanees Ryley Towler and Paris Maghoma.

However, the duo were recalled by their parent clubs in the January window, with centre-back Towler being sold to Portsmouth and midfielder Maghoma being loaned by Brentford to Milton Keynes.

Ayoub Assal was also sold after his £1.2million release clause was met by Qatari side Al-Wakrah.

Saikou Janneh, Kasey McAteer, Sam Pearson, Diallang Jaiyesimi and Armani Little all joined the Dons in the January window on loan.

“We will, but we will have to dip into the loan market,” said Jackson when asked whether the club will sign players permanently in the upcoming window.

“The club that we are and the budget restraints that we’re going to be under means we’re going to have to dip into that market and try and be smart with it.

“The loan market is tricky – some work and others don’t. The ones that work out get taken away from you sometimes. The ones that work out for a full season, being a League Two club, sometimes they’re looking for that next step in their careers. 

“We have proved here that we give loan opportunities a real platform to come and express themselves and improve, learning what it takes to come and play out in the league.

“That’s there for all to see. Every loan player we have had has done well this season – some exceptionally well.

“Clubs will recognise that and see we can be a good place for them to send their young ones.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD