MATETE EXITS

It has been confirmed that Jay Matete has left Sunderland permanently, signing for MK Dons for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old moves to the League Two side which ends his four-year stay on Wearside.

Matete made 25 appearances in red and white, including 14 during the Club’s 2021-22 promotion-winning season, and he earned promotion during a temporary switch to Plymouth Argyle. The midfielder also spent time on loan with Oxford United and Bolton Wanderers.

Kristjaan Speakman said: “We feel this is the moment for Jay to find a new home and establish a foundation for him to play regularly. This is a very good opportunity at a Club with progressive ambitions and who are well-placed in the league for promotion. We wish him every success in this next step.”

Upon completing the deal, Matete said: “I want to get MK Dons up through the leagues. There's a real good project going on here. There's an ambition at the club, and I've got that real good feeling about it. So I just want to be there throughout the whole journey. I’m quite tenacious, I like getting on a ball, getting stuck in, you know, doing a bit of everything! So I think that's what the fans can expect from me.”

MK Dons boss Paul Warne said: “We tried to sign Jay in the summer, but unfortunately, the stars didn't align! He’s a midfielder that can play in many different positions, but I think his best position is a six. I think we need a bit of bite. There are times when I don't think we've had enough of a physical presence or a tackle in the middle of the pitch. He can break up attacks, but can also start attacks. He can get box to box. He's a really good athlete, and he's got goals in him. I think he's a really good addition. I know our midfield is a really competitive place as it is, but I just want a different sort of chemistry at times, and he will definitely bring us that.”