MK Dons have announced the signing of ‘one of the best midfielders in League One’ after beating rivals Sunderland to Scott Fraser’s signature, according to the club’s official website.
Given that the Dons finished 19th in the third tier of English football last season, avoiding relegation by a mere five points, the arrival of an exciting Scottish midfielder feels like a major coup.
Especially when you consider that clubs higher up the Football League pyramid were also interested.
Fraser was courting interest from Championship outfit Rotherham United after his contract at Burton Albion expired while, according to the Record, Sunderland also held talks with him recently.
“This wasn’t the only option I had,” he said after putting pen to paper with the Dons.
“I’ve come here because the chairman and manager made me feel wanted and because I’m excited to be part of what this club is trying to do,” says Fraser, who produced 14 assists, nine goals and a hat-trick against play-off finalists Oxford United in 2019/20.
“He’s a player that I’ve liked and admired for a while,” adds manager Russell Martin.
“He was probably one of the best midfielders that we played against last season and his goal and assist record, particularly in this division, speaks for itself.
Sunderland have missed out on one of the most influential attackers in the lower leagues, with finances apparently to blame.
The Chronicle reported in August that Fraser was keen on the idea of dragging the Black Cats back to the big time, although the EFL-imposed £2.5 million annual salary cap was proving to be a substantial stumbling block.
After finally snapping up another free agent in the shape of Danny Graham, adding him to an array of exciting new additions including Aiden O’Brien, Remi Matthews and Arbenit Xhemajli, Sunderland may not have had the funds left to sign Fraser too.
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