The combative midfielder makes his first return to Stadium MK since his move four years ago

A familiar face will be returning to Stadium MK on Saturday, and one which is fondly remembered at MK Dons.

David Kasumu was a break-out star after he emerged from the academy in Milton Keynes back in 2017. He made his debut though a year earlier in an incredibly young side which took on Newport County in the EFL Trophy, alongside the likes of Kabongo Tshimanga, Brandon Thomas-Asante and the recently returned Sam Nombe.

A handful of impressive Trophy appearances over the next few seasons saw him become more of a prominent player under Paul Tisdale after Dons secured promotion back to League One in 2019.

Netting a screamer in his first appearance of the season against rivals AFC Wimbledon at Kingsmeadow ensured a special place in the hearts of Dons supporters, with his combative midfield nature showing more as he established himself in the first-team.

Racking up the appearances over the next three years, Kasumu came to the brink of reaching the play-off final with Liam Manning’s Dons in 21/22, losing out to Wycombe Wanderers in the semi-final.

Out of contract at the end of the season, the midfielder was offered a deal to stay in Milton Keynes but he opted to spread his wings and joined Championship side Huddersfield Town, where he has remained since. He was linked with a possible return to Stadium MK last season on loan, with Paul Warne known to be a fan of the now 26-year-old, but opted to remain in Yorkshire to fight for his place in the side.

Though he has nearly 150 games under his belt for the Terriers, former team-mate Ben Wiles, who made the switch in the opposite direction last January, said he feels Kasumu should be getting more game time than he is of late.

“I feel like he wants to play more than he should, and I think he should get more game time,” Wiles said. “Sometimes though you have to ride out difficult moments. He’s so robust and he’ll just keep running. I got on really well with him and I’m looking forward to seeing him again.

“I spoke to Kassy before I signed here and he had nothing but good things to say. He loved his time here and he’s a great lad as well as an amazing player. He can certainly leave one on you but he’s a tidy footballer as well!”