Star shares why he's signed for English club after Hibs talks as key man and two 'unbelievable' factors vital
The midfielder spent last season at Hibs on loan from Middlesbrough.
Dan Barlaser insists linking up with MK Dons boss Paul Warne again was a major reason why he’s opted for a return south after time at Hibs.
The midfielder spent last term on loan in the Premiership at Easter Road from Middlesbrough and left the English Championship club as a free agent earlier this summer. Hibs head coach David Gray had confirmed permanent transfer talks in the spring with Barlaser, but the 29-year-old has opted to work again with Warne, who managed him at Rotherham United.
He will look to help MK Dons establish themselves as a League One club in England but the former Middlesbrough midfielder insists promotion to the Championship has to be the aim. There are two ‘unbelievable’ factors that have drawn Barlaser into his new club alongside a familiar face in the dugout.
Why has Dan Barlaser signed for MK Dons?
Barlaser told club media: “Delighted to be here. I played my best football under him. We've had a lot of success together, so you put those two things together, it was a no-brainer for me, really. I was as fit as I've ever been under him because he loves people who are fit, so it was just the right fit for me. The stadium's unbelievable, facilities are unbelievable.
“I think I've played against the majority of the lads who are here. Last year they did so well in getting promoted. You just need to try and take that confidence obviously into League One. Looking at the squad as well. I think there's already a lot of players who've got good experience in League One, so you've got to be looking to hopefully get promotion again, in my opinion.
“If you're looking at the squad, you've got a lot of players who have played Championship, obviously Premier League as well, so we've got a lot of good experience for League One with players who've got promotion from League One, so that's what you need. I'll give 100%. No matter how it's going, I'll always want the ball, I'll never hide. I'll always try and think forward and get it to the players who really excite them.”
Why have MK Dons signed Dan Barlaser?
Warne said: “He's a player that I’ve worked with before and had promotions with. He’s also a really good kid, really motivated and brilliant in the dressing room. He’s a very good footballer, great on set pieces, has a brilliant range of passing and he's always looking to play forward, so he’s a good addition to our midfield options already.
“We've got a really strong midfield, I know Dan has played with Ben Wiles before as well, so he'll know people in the dressing room already, so it should be an easy fit. He’s obviously worked with me and Richie Barker before too, so it was an easy sell from both sides, I’m really pleased with him.”
Sporting director Liam Sweeting added: “We’re absolutely delighted to bring Dan to MK Dons. He was one of our main targets during this transfer window, so to get the deal completed is really pleasing for everyone at the football club. Dan is a player with superb pedigree at this level. Winning promotion from League One demonstrates the quality, mentality and character he brings to a dressing room.
“Just as importantly, he knows exactly what it takes to succeed in a Paul Warne team, and that understanding will be invaluable as we continue to build the squad. Throughout our conversations, Dan really bought into what we’re trying to achieve here. He believes in the project, he shares our ambition for the football club, and he’s excited by the direction we’re heading in. Bringing in players who genuinely want to be part of that journey is very important to us. We’re looking forward to seeing the impact he’ll make both on and off the pitch, and we’re delighted to welcome him to MK Dons.”