Goalkeeper Will Dennis has left AFC Bournemouth to join MK Dons on a permanent deal. The 26-year-old's move, reported by Football Lowdown this week, ends a ten-year association with the Cherries after he became their fourth-choice option.
Bournemouth currently sit 14th in the Premier League with zero points from one game, having lost their opening fixture. They are three points behind early leaders Brighton and face a tough test next against Everton, who are fourth. You can track their progress on our standings page.
Why did Bournemouth let Dennis go?
Will Dennis's departure from the Vitality Stadium became likely after Bournemouth secured the loan signing of Michele Di Gregorio from Juventus. That move pushed Dennis down to fourth in the goalkeeping hierarchy. He had previously spent the second half of last season on an emergency loan at Leyton Orient, making 15 appearances. During that spell, he kept four clean sheets, made 51 saves, and recorded one of the best save percentages in League One as Orient battled against relegation.
His loan to Orient was triggered after their new signing, Daniel Bachmann, suffered a season-ending injury just days after arriving from Watford. Dennis also had prior loan spells at Kilmarnock, Slough Town, and Wealdstone during his time with Bournemouth.
What does the move mean for MK Dons?
MK Dons manager Paul Warne identified a new goalkeeper as his top priority ahead of Deadline Day next week. The club is paying an undisclosed fee to bring Dennis in on a three-year contract. He is expected to be their final signing of a strong summer window as they return to League One, becoming their eighth incoming player.
Warne said, "a new goalkeeper was his top priority ahead of Deadline Day next week." First-choice keeper Craig MacGillivray, 33, has started both of MK Dons' league games so far after helping them achieve promotion from League Two last season. The club, based at Stadium:MK, has ambitions to reach the Championship in the near future.
Where does this leave Bournemouth's squad?
Bournemouth's focus remains on their Premier League campaign. After conceding two goals in their opening-day defeat, the goalkeeping department has been reshuffled with Di Gregorio's arrival and Dennis's exit. The Cherries have scored one goal so far this season, giving them a -1 goal difference. Their immediate concern is preparing for the home match against Everton on 29 August, a key early fixture in their schedule. Fans can view the full fixtures list on our site.
With the transfer window closing soon, this move provides clarity for both player and club. Dennis gets the chance for regular football in League One, while Bournemouth streamlines its squad ahead of a busy period. The Cherries will be looking to secure their first points of the season soon, and you can follow all the squad news on our squad page.
