Find out more about MK Dons’ latest signing, defender Eli Campbell from Everton

Young centre-back Eli Campbell may feel like he has unfinished business with League One as he returns to the division with MK Dons.

The 22-year-old left-sided centre-back, also capable of playing at full-back, has spent two loan spells from Everton in the third tier, and both have resulted in relegation.

Growing up in Manchester, Campbell joined Everton’s academy in 2017 and soon established himself as one of the standouts in his age group. Rated highly by the Toffees academy coaching staff, he penned his first professional contract in June 2022.

While he featured regularly for Everton’s U23s side, it was not until the January window in 2024 though that he would get his first taste of senior football when he joined Fleetwood Town on loan.

Under Charlie Adam’s watch, he made 13 appearances for the Cod Army, but it was not enough to stop them from being relegated to League Two.

The following season he went north of the border to join Ross County in the Scottish Premiership. While his progress was dealt an early blow when he was sent off against St Johnstone, he was praised for his role in several clean sheets in the following weeks. However, his 31 appearances for the side were not enough to prevent a second relegation going on his CV as County lost out in the play-offs against Livingstone - an experience he said has made him a better player.

He remained on Merseyside with Everton for the start of the 25/26 season, and made his senior debut for the club in January when he came on in extra time against Sunderland in the FA Cup.

Like this summer, Campbell was subject to a deadline day move in the January window when he agreed a switch to Port Vale but the struggling Valiants could only offer him a third relegation in as many moves as they too fell out of League One. He made 20 appearances in all competitions.

Eager to avoid another drop on his CV, Campbell adds to Dons’ defensive depth, with his ability to play in multiple positions a big tick in the box for boss Paul Warne.