AFC Wimbledon are looking to strengthen their defence after a shaky second half of last season nearly saw them drop into the relegation zone. With Patrick Bauer joining Cambridge United and Joe Lewis seemingly set to depart, the Dons need to bolster their backline to avoid a repeat of last season's struggles. Currently sitting 24th in League One with 0 points, 0 goals scored and 0 conceded, the pressure is on Johnnie Jackson to find reliable centre-backs before their next fixture against Bromley on 13th February 2027.

Who could AFC Wimbledon target?

Daniel Amartey is a free agent who has been training with AFC Wimbledon in pre-season. The 30-year-old has Premier League experience with Leicester City and has also played for Besiktas. Amartey's no-nonsense style could be a perfect fit for Johnnie Jackson's defensive system. He has over 150 club appearances and 50 caps for Ghana, making him a proven performer at a high level.

Brendan Galloway is another free agent with Premier League experience. The 28-year-old was released by Plymouth Argyle this summer and has previously played for Everton, West Brom, Sunderland and Luton Town. Galloway is known for his leadership and bravery, and his experience could be invaluable for AFC Wimbledon as they look to replace Patrick Bauer.

Could a young loan signing be the answer?

Ishe Samuels-Smith is a 20-year-old centre-back who currently plays for Chelsea U21s. He spent last season on loan at Swansea City but struggled to adapt to the physical nature of the Championship. A loan move to AFC Wimbledon could be beneficial for both player and club, with Samuels-Smith gaining valuable experience in League One and the Dons adding depth to their defensive options.

What does this mean for AFC Wimbledon's survival hopes?

AFC Wimbledon's defensive frailties were exposed last season, and Johnnie Jackson will be keen to address this issue before the new campaign gets underway. With the Dons currently sitting bottom of League One, the pressure is on to make the right signings. If they can secure the services of one or more of these centre-backs, it could go a long way towards ensuring their survival in the third tier.