Milton Keynes Dons have landed midfielder Lewis Bate on loan until the end of the season.
The 21-year-old central midfielder joins the Dons from Championship side Leeds United and has already tasted first-team football at a higher level.
Starting his career in the Chelsea youth academy, Bate moved to Leeds ahead of the 2021/22 season, going on to make his Premier League debut that same campaign - featuring in three league matches and once in the FA Cup for the Whites.
The following year, Bate was loaned out to League One club Oxford United, then managed by former Dons boss Karl Robinson, and played regularly for the U's, making 35 appearances in all competitions - scoring a goal and providing four assists in the process.
This year, Bate has featured once in the EFL Cup for Leeds, and has primarily played for their Under-21s team, so the move to Stadium MK provides him with an opportunity to play regular first-team football once again.
Speaking of joining the Dons, Bate said: "I’m excited to be here and get going. I had discussions with Mike and his staff before I joined about how the system and style of play can benefit both me as a player and the team too, so I was sold on that."
"Whilst I’m here I am looking to develop more as a player, but I think the main goal for me is to get promoted with MK Dons. There’s no shying away from that, that is the goal."
He added: "I can’t wait to get playing in front of the fans and with the lads in such a great stadium. I’m a ball-playing midfielder who loves to get on and move the ball around whilst trying to progress the team forward."
Dons head coach Mike Williamson commented on his latest signing: "Lewis is an exciting addition for us as he adds great quality into the side."
"He’s a midfielder that will definitely increase the quality and competition within that dressing room, and we’re delighted to have him on loan here."
