Former MK Dons striker Matthew Dennis has signed with the Dons’ fellow League 2 outfit Carlisle United.

The 22-year-old has joined Carlisle on a free transfer and has signed a short-term contract covering the rest of the 2024/25 season.

Dennis was available as a free after being released by MK Dons on transfer deadline day, ending a two and a half year spell contracted with the club.

The attacker had joined MK Dons from Norwich in 2022, scoring 11 times in 46 appearances for the club, but having not played for MK Dons between September 2024 and his exit earlier this month.

Dennis was one of three players released by MK Dons on deadline day after having their contract terminated by mutual consent, with Joe Pritchard and Tom Carroll also departing. Pritchard has since joined National League side Oldham Athletic, while Carroll remains without a club.

The deal was ratified in time for Dennis to be included in Carlisle’s squad for their match yesterday (11/02), with the striker coming on as a substitute during their 1-0 defeat to Newport County in South Wales. He became the 49th unique player to have played a competitive game for Carlisle this season.

The transfer makes Dennis the third former MK Dons player to move to Carlisle in the last year, with the Cumbrians having signed Ethan Robson last summer after he was released by MK Dons and then signing Stephen Wearne directly from the Dons in the January transfer window.

Dennis’ move is the first signing made by Carlisle since the appointment of Mark Hughes, with the former Blackburn, Man City, Fulham, QPR, Stoke, Southampton and Welsh national team boss replacing Mike Williamson earlier this month. Williamson had left his role as MK Dons’ Head Coach to take the Carlisle job in September, but was shown the door on transfer deadline day after struggling to get results.

In a brief statement, Carlisle’s Sporting Director Rob Clarkson said, “We are pleased Matthew has joined us for the remainder of the season.

“He is a talented player who gives us an extra option at the top end of the pitch. He’s really hungry and determined to grab this opportunity with both hands.”