MK Dons have landed their fifth signing of the summer, and it is a familiar face

Striker Sam Nombe has returned to MK Dons after five years away, agreeing a move from Rotherham United for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old striker cost the Millers a reported £1 million three years ago when he moved from Exeter City. Bagging 18 goals in 90 appearances for Rotherham, he attracted Paul Warne to his services with the head coach keen to add an out-and-out striker to his ranks for the club’s return to League One.

A product of the academy, Nombe made 46 appearances for the first-team, having come through the academy, before leaving the club for Exeter in 2021.

With Rotherham’s relegation to League Two, boss Alex Bruce earlier this week admitted everyone has a price and Dons have agreed a deal with Warne’s former club to bring Nombe back to Milton Keynes.

“Sam is a forward I’ve always liked who doesn’t give a moment’s peace to the opposition’s back line,” said boss Warne. “He thrives off crosses which I like my team to excel at. He’s physical, confident and has consistently scored goals at this level.

“His work rate for the team is also to be applauded. He improves a very strong department of our squad.

“I still believe there is more to come from Sam with the supply and support he will get from this team and staff.

“It was one of the easiest negotiations I’ve ever done with a player as his heart was set on coming back to the city to play for this great club.

“We have tried to sign players this summer with patience but quality, ones who improve the squad and have excelled at the level, Sam is the definition of that.”

Sporting director Liam Sweeting added: ““We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Sam back to MK Dons. He’s someone we’ve always been incredibly proud of, having come through our academy and developed into the player he is today.

“To see him return five years later is a special moment for everyone connected with the club.

“Sam brings exactly the attributes we were looking for. He has real strength, power and pace, and he’s consistently demonstrated an impressive goalscoring record.

“He’s proven himself at this level and above, and we believe he can make a significant impact for us.”

He continued: “I’ve always kept in touch with Sam over the years, and we’ve followed his progress with real interest. When the opportunity came to bring him home, it was one we were determined to pursue.

“We’re all looking forward to seeing him back in an MK Dons shirt and creating many more memories together.”