Wimbledon agree £2m deal for Kingsmeadow sale to Chelsea

Newly-promoted AFC Wimbledon have switched contracts with Chelsea to agree the £2m sale of Kingsmeadow.

The deal with the Premier League side will be fully completed pending the approval of their return to Plough Lane by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who has stated his ‘concerns’ over the plans (see below).

In a boost for the Dons hopes of funding their proposed £16m new stadium, Chelsea have agreed the deal in contingency until Wimbledon secure planning permission for their new 11,000-seater home.

Wimbledon chief executive Erik Samuelson did not downplay the significance of the deal, telling the club’s website, “This is a major milestone for us. The proceeds of this deal are an essential part of the financing of the new stadium. The vision of a return to Merton, with all the community benefits it also brings, is now becoming very real.”

In another stretch of fortune, Kingstonian – who groundshare the 4,800 capacity stadium – have welcomed news of the agreement that will see them needing to find a new home, but in doing so will receive a ‘substantial donation’ from the Dons.

“This is more positive news for all concerned in the process of AFC Wimbledon returning to Merton,” Kingstonian joint-chairman Malcolm Winwright said.

“We continue to enjoy a full and open relationship with Erik and his board, together with David Growns (Dons’ Trust Liason with Kingstonian) and other members of the Dons Trust Board, who continue to assist us on a number of fronts,” Winwright added.

Reformed in 2002, AFC Wimbledon have achieved six promotions to take them from the Combined Counties League to the third tier of English football. Judging by Sadiq Khan’s letter below, their biggest obstacle to date may be London City Hall.