Giant former Hibernian centre-back drafted in.
Milton Keynes Dons have boosted their squad with today’s signing of defender Marvin Ekpiteta.
The 29-year-old, 6ft 4in centre-back joins the Dons on a permanent transfer from Scottish Premiership side Hibernian.
Having spent a season with Hibs, the centre-back returns to England to join Paul Warne's MK Dons after a year north of the border, where he also featured in the squad for Europa League qualifying matches.
Before heading to Edinburgh, Ekpiteta enjoyed four seasons in the north west with Blackpool, racking up 143 appearances, while scoring 12 goals and providing three assists.
Ekpiteta was a key part of the side that won promotion to the Championship via the play-offs in 2020/21 in his debut season with the Seasiders. Having been promoted, he then played 40 times in the Championship for Blackpool, scoring five goals and earning himself the club's Player of the Season award.
Ekpiteta went on to play another 25 games at the second highest level of English football the following season, before racking up another 40 appearances with the Seasiders in League One in 2023/24.
Before his time on the coast, Ekpiteta had three seasons with Leyton Orient, playing a vital role as the O's earned promotion to League Two from the National League in 2018/19. He scored six goals and provided three assists during his spell at Brisbane Road.
"I’m happy to be here, I’m looking forward to the new challenge ahead,” said Ekpiteta. “It’s an exciting club to be a part of. I didn’t play as much as I’d have liked to last year, I want to play regular football again."
“He’s a big centre-half with pace, he’s aggressive in both boxes, and I just think he’s something the squad needs,” said delighted manager Warne. “I tried to sign him before when he was at Leyton Orient, but he went to Blackpool, and I’ve tracked him ever since. We’re really fortunate to get him over the line!"
