MK Dons have confirmed a busy pre-season schedule and completed the signing of midfielder Daniel Barlaser as they prepare for life back in League One. The club disclosed its warm-up fixtures for the 2026-27 campaign through MKFM, with the first test coming at Maidenhead United on 10 July 2026.
That 7:30pm kick-off at York Road will be followed by a week-long training camp in Pula, Croatia, running from 12 to 19 July, capped by a friendly against top-flight Croatian side NK Istra 1961 on 17 July. Further pre-season matches have been lined up against Tottenham Hotspur behind closed doors, Wealdstone, Barnet, and Cheltenham Town, though none will be played at Stadium MK.
The squad Paul Warne takes into those games has been strengthened by Barlaser, who arrived on a free transfer from Middlesbrough on 4 July. The 29-year-old defensive midfielder previously worked under Warne at Rotherham United, helping the Millers win promotion from League One twice. Sporting director Liam Sweeting described Barlaser as one of the club’s main targets and highlighted his superb pedigree at this level.
MK Dons earned their return to the third tier by winning League Two last season. The new campaign begins with an away fixture at Oxford United on 15 August 2026. Barlaser becomes the club’s third summer signing following the arrivals of centre-back Charlie Goode and left-back Cohen Bramall, with Warne pointing to the midfielder’s set-piece ability and range of passing as key assets for the challenges ahead.
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