Rotherham United reunion at MK Dons as Dan Barlaser makes move after Middlesbrough FC release
Rotherham United promotion heroes have been reunited following a Middlesbrough contract decision
Dan Barlaser has been reunited with his former Rotherham United boss Paul Warne following the expiry of his Middlesbrough contract.
Rotherham had Barlaser on their books between 2019 and 2023 and were promoted from League One twice during that period.
The midfielder was a crucial cog in the Millers machine built by Paul Warne, who is now in charge of Milton Keynes Dons.
Rotherham United reunion after Middlesbrough departure
Barlaser was released by Middlesbrough at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, after a season on loan at Hibernian, and has now been reunited with Warne in Milton Keynes.
Warne said: “He's a player that I’ve worked with before and had promotions with. He’s also a really good kid, really motivated and brilliant in the dressing room.
“He’s a very good footballer, great on set-pieces, has a brilliant range of passing and he's always looking to play forward, so he’s a good addition to our midfield options already.
“We've got a really strong midfield, I know Dan has played with Ben Wiles before as well, so he'll know people in the dressing room already, so it should be an easy fit.
“He’s obviously worked with me and Richie Barker before too, so it was an easy sell from both sides, I’m really pleased with him.”
‘Superb pedigree’ at League One level
The move marks a return to League One for Barlaser following MK Dons’ promotion from the fourth tier of English football.
The club’s sporting director Liam Sweeting said: “We’re absolutely delighted to bring Dan to MK Dons. He was one of our main targets during this transfer window, so to get the deal completed is really pleasing for everyone at the football club.
“Dan is a player with superb pedigree at this level. Winning promotion from League One demonstrates the quality, mentality and character he brings to a dressing room.
“Just as importantly, he knows exactly what it takes to succeed in a Paul Warne team, and that understanding will be invaluable as we continue to build the squad.
“Throughout our conversations, Dan really bought into what we’re trying to achieve here. He believes in the project, he shares our ambition for the football club, and he’s excited by the direction we’re heading in.
“Bringing in players who genuinely want to be part of that journey is very important to us. We’re looking forward to seeing the impact he’ll make both on and off the pitch, and we’re delighted to welcome him to MK Dons.”