We are delighted to announce the loan signing of Lithuanian Under-21 international Tomas Kalinauskas from Barnsley.
Tomas joins us for the rest of the season after impressing Robbo during a recent training spell.
“Tomas came in for a week with us and he did very well,” said Head Coach Mark Robinson. “Technically, he’s very exciting on the ball. The thing that impressed me the most about him was his confidence - he’s got real self-belief. In wide areas he looks like he can be very effective. It helps bolster us and gives us two players in every position.”
The 21-year-old winger signed his first professional contract with the Tykes in July of last year, having previously been developed by the Conquest Football Academy - just down the road from us in Isleworth.
“I’m buzzing to be here,” said Tomas. “I’m very grateful for the chance that the club has given me and I can’t wait to get started. My agent told me I had an opportunity to go to AFC Wimbledon and as soon as I heard about it I couldn’t wait to go, because I know the club has a unique story and I want to be a part of it.
“I know the style of football Wimbledon play and what Mark Robinson likes as a coach. I feel it suits me very well. I can play out wide, either side, I can play with both feet, and play as a number ten as well. I can be creative and make things happen.”
Having come to England at the age of eight, Tomas has spent the majority of his career with the Conquest Academy and he also gained some experience in non-league football, before signing for Barnsley.
Former Wimbledon defender and current Barnsley teammate Toby Sibbick was also with Tomas at Conquest. Having been brought up in West London, Tomas is well aware of our story!
“Toby told me about the culture of the club,” said Tomas. “He told me how great the fans are here, so he’s helped me out too. I used to come and watch Wimbledon a few years back, when Toby used to play back at Kingsmeadow. Now that I’ve seen Plough Lane, it’s great to see the progress of the club and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Find out all about our latest signing below, as Tomas gave his first interview as a Wimbledon player to our official YouTube channel.