Former Premier League defender joins AFC Wimbledon following Wigan Athletic release
Steven Sessegnon has signed a two-year deal with League One rivals AFC Wimbledon following his release from Wigan Athletic.
The 26-year-old defender wasn't offered a new contract at Wigan after injuries restricted him to only 59 appearances during his three-year stay.
And he's looking forward to kickstarting his career back in his native London.
"When the opportunity to come to Wimbledon arose, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to get myself going again and show what I’m about, and move closer to home," said Sessegnon, who came through the ranks at Fulham alongside twin brother Ryan, and spent time on loan at Bristol City, Plymouth Argyle and Charlton Athletic before joining Latics.
"I'm looking forward to playing back in London with friends and family close by. It’s a lovely stadium to come and play at, I can’t wait to be out there when it’s full and the fans are cheering."
Even when Sessegnon was fit during his time at Wigan, he remained a peripheral figure, with then-boss Ryan Lowe making him available for transfer last summer ‘purely because he wanted to play right-back or left-back’.
He ended up staying for the final year of his Latics contract but, when questioned by the Dons media team about his preferred position, his answer will raise eyebrows up north.
"I'm a full-back, but I love to play wing-back, and the opportunity to get forward and be creative and take people on,” he said.
"I'm comfortable on the ball - growing up at Fulham encouraged me to do that - and I look forward to showing what I can do.”
Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson added: “Steven’s a really experienced signing that’s played for some big clubs at this level and above.
"He comes to us with a point to prove, he wants to get back to playing regularly. He brings good versatility, he can play either side as a wing-back or as a full-back.”
Director of football Craig Cope said: “We’re delighted to welcome Steven to the club. He’s a versatile player with plenty of EFL experience.
"We are confident we can be a good home for him over the next few seasons.”