MK Dons have completed a season-long loan signing of midfielder Ryan Barnett from Wrexham, manager Paul Warne's seventh addition of the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old, who can operate as a winger or wing-back, arrives to bolster the club's attacking options out wide.
Barnett began his footballing journey at Shrewsbury Town, where he spent 14 years coming through the ranks before departing for Solihull Moors in 2021. He then joined Wrexham in February 2023, becoming a key figure in a squad that achieved three successive promotions, climbing from the National League all the way to the Championship.
Across three-and-a-half seasons in north Wales, Barnett made 112 appearances for Wrexham. According to a local Milton Keynes report, he had also featured during Wrexham's pre-season tour of the United States shortly before the loan move was finalised, and was viewed as a natural fit for MK Dons' search for extra depth at wing-back.
What has the manager said about the signing?
Paul Warne explained that Barnett had long been a target of his and praised the player's attacking instincts.
"Ryan's a player that I tried to sign before. He's a really athletic wing-back who wants to cross the ball," Warne told MK Dons' website.
"He wants to run forward with the ball, which is right up our street and gives us another attacking option out wide."
What is Barnett's history at Wrexham?
Barnett's contract at Wrexham runs until June 2027, with the club holding the option to extend it by a further year, according to a national broadcaster's report. He was also singled out last season as a standout performer at wing-back in League One, per the same broadcaster's coverage.
Wrexham's recruitment has been active across multiple positions this summer. The club moved to strengthen its defence by pursuing Crystal Palace's Danny Imray as their expected first arrival of the window, while also completing a midfield reinforcement by signing Preston North End captain Ben Whiteman on a three-year deal after he passed a medical.
When could Barnett make his MK Dons debut?
Barnett has been made eligible to feature in MK Dons' opening fixture of the season at Stadium MK against Huddersfield, according to a local Milton Keynes report. Warne's side will be looking to hand the new arrival his first minutes in that game as they begin the campaign.
Key Facts
- Ryan Barnett, 26, joins MK Dons on a season-long loan from Wrexham.
- He began his career at Shrewsbury Town before moving to Solihull Moors in 2021 and then Wrexham in February 2023.
- Barnett made 112 appearances for Wrexham during three successive promotions to the Championship.
- He is eligible to debut against Huddersfield in MK Dons' season opener at Stadium MK.
- His Wrexham contract runs until June 2027, with an option for a further year.
