What ever happened to Dons loanee Gboly Ariyibi?

Not many looked fondly on the decision to end his loan spell early
Gboly Ariyibi scores against AFC WimbledonGboly Ariyibi scores against AFC Wimbledon
Gboly Ariyibi scores against AFC Wimbledon

Gboly Ariyibi was one of the few bright sparks during an otherwise dank 2017/18 campaign at MK Dons.

The winger, on loan from Nottingham Forest, had netted seven goals in 28 appearances for the club but saw his season-long deal cancelled by Robbie Neilson just days before the Scot was sacked as manager.

Ariyibi arrived with a buzz around him. Having starred for Chesterfield for three years, he secured a move to Championship club Forest in January 2017 but struggled to make inroads into the first team.

Ariyibi celebrates with Robbie Neilson after beating AFC WimbledonAriyibi celebrates with Robbie Neilson after beating AFC Wimbledon
Ariyibi celebrates with Robbie Neilson after beating AFC Wimbledon

His loan move to MK Dons started with a bang, scoring an extra-time winner in the League Cup against Forest Green in just his second outing. A regular for Neilson's side, Ariyibi netted a brace in the 3-2 win over Rochdale and a goal in the 2-0 win over AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium as he established himself as a fan's favourite at the club. But his time at the club would come to an abrupt end in January.

Quickly cast aside by Neilson, Ariyibi was replaced at the club by Marcus Tavernier, leaving the American to quickly find a new home just up the road from Milton Keynes at Northampton. But making just three starts for the Cobblers, Ariyibi's season ended early through injury and he returned to the City Ground.

Following six months back at Forest, Ariyibi went north of the border as he signed on loan for Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership, where he made 17 appearances and netted twice as The Well finished seventh.

His performances impressed Greek side Panetolikos, who paid an undisclosed fee for Ariyibi. Until the COVID-19 outbreak, Aribiyi had racked up 14 appearances, with one goal to his name but Panetolikos sit second from bottom of the Super League. Ariyibi and his team-mates will return to action next Monday against Lamia.