Ryan Wintle departs Cardiff for MK Dons after standout campaign Ryan Wintle has left Cardiff City to join MK Dons on a free transfer, following a stellar season where he won the club’s Player of the Year award. The 29-year-old midfielder was instrumental in Cardiff’s immediate return to the Championship, but announced his departure in May due to circumstances beyond his control. Cardiff currently sit second in League One with 91 points from 46 games (27W-10D-9L), boasting a +40 goal difference (90 scored, 50 conceded). ## What happened at MK Dons? MK Dons manager Paul Warne praised Wintle’s athleticism and work ethic, calling him a key addition to their midfield. "He has a real intent to his play and his athleticism allows him to cover the pitch really well," Warne said. "When I met him, I was impressed by his honesty and desire to win." Wintle, who spent six seasons at Crewe Alexandra before joining Cardiff in 2021, becomes MK Dons’ fourth signing of the summer after their promotion to League One. ## Why did Wintle leave Cardiff? Wintle’s exit came as a surprise after his standout performances last season, but he cited "circumstances completely out of my control" for his departure. His leadership and energy in midfield were crucial to Cardiff’s success, making his move a significant loss for the Bluebirds. ## What’s next for Cardiff? With Wintle gone, Cardiff will need to reinforce their midfield ahead of the new season. Their next fixture is a home clash against Millwall on December 26, 2026, where they’ll look to maintain their strong form. The club will likely target a replacement to fill the void left by Wintle’s departure.