Tomlinson, 23, joins the Football Club on a permanent transfer from the Sky Bet League One outfit and becomes the Club’s ninth addition of the summer transfer window.
A versatile full-back, who can operate on the right or the left, Tomlinson began his career with Southampton but rose through the non-league ranks before making the move into professional football with Peterborough United in July 2021.
Tomlinson has made 91 senior appearances so far in his career, including 34 in the EFL, while he has also scored 14 goals and provided three assists. He was also a winner of EFL Young Player of the Month award during his time on loan with Swindon Town in Sky Bet League Two.
“It’s a fantastic feeling,” Tomlinson said in an exclusive interview with iFollow MK Dons. “This is a great Club and this is an exciting opportunity for me – I can’t wait to get going.
“I know of the interest early on in the window and it’s a move I’ve wanted to happen for a while. This was where I wanted to be so I’m really happy that it’s done and I’m here now.
“Graham is an experienced football person and I believe he will really help improve me as a player. That’s the aim coming here – to get better and better as a player and help MK Dons win games and be successful.”
Born in Swindon, Tomlinson spent time with Southampton, Yeovil Town and Brighton & Hove Albion as a young player, before enjoying spells in non-league with Bognor Regis Town, Hungerford Town and Eastleigh.
Tomlinson impressed while in the National League with the Spitfires, scoring 11 goals in 42 games and catching the eye of Peterborough United, who swooped for his signature in July 2021.
The full-back played 17 times for the Posh – the same amount of games he totalled across two loan spells with Swindon. During his time with the Robins, Tomlinson contributed to five goals while he was also named the EFL Young Player of the Month in February 2022.
Head Coach Graham Alexander said: “We’re delighted to bring Joe in on this important day – he is a great addition for us.
“We like Joe’s versality, his professionalism and his attributes - he is going to bring a lot of competition to the squad. Speaking to him, you can feel the enthusiasm that he has to come here and be successful here at MK Dons.”
