Former Charlton Athletic striker Lyle Taylor is apparently interested in returning to AFC Wimbledon this summer, according to writer Richard Cawley of London News Online.
The 34-year-old has left League One club Cambridge United after his contract expired, and he is reportedly hoping to return to AFC Wimbledon in League Two this summer.
How did Taylor fair last season?
Taylor began the summer as a free agent after leaving Nottingham Forest, but joined League One club Wycombe Wanderers in November. He made nine appearances in all competitions for Matt Bloomfield’s team before departing in January.
Following his departure, Taylor joined Cambridge United, where he spent the remainder of the 2023-24 season. Taylor appeared in 14 games for the club under Garry Monk, scoring three goals as they achieved their second consecutive season of safety.
Why is Taylor adored at AFC Wimbledon?
Taylor spent three years looking for a permanent home after leaving Bournemouth in 2012, and he found one with AFC Wimbledon.
He was with the football club for three years (2015-2018), making 150 games (the most for any team in his career), scoring 55 goals and providing 21 assists.
Taylor helped the Dons finish seventh in League Two and advance to the third tier through the play-offs in his rookie season. The team then managed to keep him safe in both of his final seasons before he left for Charlton Athletic in 2018 and subsequently Nottingham Forest.
Since Taylor’s departure, AFC Wimbledon has been relegated to League Two, while he has played in the Championship and made the Premier League matchday squad.
How important is Taylor’s next move?
Taylor, 34, is nearing the end of his career and is likely to prioritize playing and enjoying football over money.
He is adored by AFC Wimbledon fans for guiding the team to League One for the first time in its history, and he is expected to be the primary figure in attack alongside Matty Stevens and Josh Kelly next season.
Following a difficult few seasons, Taylor’s desire to return to Wimbledon implies that he prefers to find a club where he feels at home rather to risk transferring elsewhere.
