Wanderers can confirm that midfielder MJ Williams has today ended his two-and-a-half-year stay with the Whites to join MK Dons.
Williams moves to the League Two side on a permanent transfer.
The 27-year-old made 100 appearances for Wanderers as a highly valued member of Ian Evatt’s squad who has now been allowed to complete a deal which enables him to move on with his career with the chance to play more regular first-team football.
“Football evolves as clubs look to move on and strengthen,” said Bolton boss Evatt. “MJ is someone who has been brilliant for this football club. I have a lot of respect for him and he has a lot of respect for us.
“But if someone in his position is offered the chance of a longer contract and more minutes then we wish them well and hopefully he goes on to produce the goods for them.”
Bangor-born Williams – who started his senior career at Liverpool and was capped once at U21 level by Wales – joined Wanderers from Blackpool at the end of the January, 2021 transfer window after an earlier spell with Rochdale.
He immediately helped Evatt’s side win promotion from League Two and was a regular starter in the 201/22 campaign as the Whites secured a ninth-place finish in League One.
Williams featured less regularly last season either side of a minor knee operation in January but still made a total of 35 appearances as Wanderers reached the League One play-offs.
Williams leaves with the thanks and best wishes of everyone at Wanderers and a winner’s medal from the Papa Johns Trophy thanks to a substitute’s appearance in April’s final win over Plymouth Argyle.