MK Dons announce arrival of Sam Silvera from Middlesbrough

MK Dons have announced the arrival of winger Sam Silvera, who joins the club from Middlesbrough.

The 25-year-old Australian international joins after being released by the Championship club at the end of last season, with Silvera joining the Dons as their sixth new signing ahead of the upcoming season.

Silvera, who has previously received 8 Australian caps, made 18 appearances for Middlesbrough last season as the side from the North East finished in the Championship play-offs.

The winger is the second player to move from Middlesbrough to Milton Keynes ahead of the new season, with midfielder Dan Barlaser previously announced as making the move.

Silvera has enjoyed a wide-ranging career since breaking through with Australian club Western Sydney Wanderers, while he also had spells in Portugal and elsewhere across Australia.

In 2023, Silvera moved to England when he joined Middlesbrough from Central Coast Mariners, making 60 appearances across three seasons. He also had time out on loan with Portsmouth and Blackpool.

MK Dons Head Coach Paul Warne told the club’s official website that having pursued Silvera for much of the summer, he was delighted to get the deal done.

He said, “Sam is a player that we pursued throughout the summer. He’s a utility attacking player who can play wing back on either side and also a winger either side and he has actually played fullback on occasion too.

“So, he’s someone who’s quick, wants to take people on and brings a bit more competition along the front line for us, which is great, and he has also been playing at a Championship level. All the research we did on him with his teammates came back glowing.

“I also FaceTimed him a few weeks ago and then met him about a week ago as well. After that, it was just a matter of tying the deal together. I’m really pleased to have him on board, and we welcome him to the club.

“I’m also looking forward to getting him as fit as we can, as quick as we can and we look forward to including him in the training sessions starting tomorrow.”