AFC Wimbledon have signed two new attackers to help bolster their forward options for the 2023-24 campaign.
The goals didn’t flow for The Dons last season, with only one player reaching double digits across the 46 games, Ali Al-Hamadi with ten.
Lebanese forward Omar Bugiel has joined from Sutton United on a one year deal, while Josh Neufville has signed on a two year deal from Luton Town.
Bugiel arrives as a proven striker at League Two and National League level having played over 150 times for Sutton United. He has also turned out for the likes of Forest Green Rovers – who are back in League Two after their relegation this season – Bromley and had a particularly prolific period at Worthing.
Wimbledon fans shouldn’t be put off by Bugiel’s lack of goals in his last two seasons in League Two, as he scored ten in total. The forward offers much more than just a goal threat, he is strong, aggressive when necessary and good in the air.
Bugiel has always been a handful for centre-backs. By backing into defenders and providing a focal point for attacks, he often opens up space for those around him which could help the likes of Al-Hamadi flourish.
Bugiel also provides much-needed depth to the squad, and his goal-scoring exploits shouldn’t be written off just yet. His ability to use either foot in front of goal is one of his other strengths.
Slightly less is known about Neufville, the Luton academy product who had been loaned out on five separate occasions by his parent club. In that time Neufville featured for Solihull Moors, Woking, Yeovil Town and Sutton.
Neufville will firstly bring versatility to Johnnie Jackson’s side. Despite being widely described as a striker, at his best playing through the middle, he can also play on the right or left of a front three. Direct and fearless, Wimbledon will just be hoping Neufville can add a few more goals to his game in blue and yellow.
Either way, Neufville represents a low-risk, high-reward signing, at just 22 years of age with plenty of time and a good environment to develop in, He signed on a free after his contract at Luton expired.
The head of football operations Craig Cope has so far worked with Jackson to get swift early business done in the summer window after the disappointment of last season when the Dons finished 21st in League Two.
With plenty of time left in the transfer window, it won’t be a surprise to see more incomings and outgoings in south-west London.
