Max Dean has left MK Dons after the striker signed for Belgian side KAA Gent.

The 20-year-old has joined the Belgian Pro League side for an undisclosed fee and has signed a four year deal to move to Belgium.

Some reports had linked Dean with French side Toulouse, who had previously signed Rhys Healey from the Dons, but Dean will instead join a side that will compete in next season’s Europa Conference League.

Dean moves after an 18 month spell with MK Dons, having joined the side from Stadium MK from Leeds United in the 2023 January transfer window.

He scored 20 goals in 43 appearances in all competitions for the Dons last season, and was the team’s top scorer last season.

The Dons’ Sporting Director Liam Sweeting told the official MK Dons website of his praise for the striker’s work at the club.

He said, “First and foremost, we are extremely proud of what Max has achieved with us and the opportunity this has created for him as he begins a new chapter in his career.”

“Like many players throughout the club’s history, Max joined us looking to forge a path in the game and the outcome is one for us all to celebrate. Once again, our club has provided a platform, pathway and developmental environment that allowed Max to showcase his qualities – and create great memories for us all in the process. He is the latest example of what players can achieve at MK Dons.

“Without a doubt, Max shared a special connection with our fan base, and while we made every effort to offer him a new and improved contract and keep him in Milton Keynes, sometimes an opportunity to test yourself playing top-flight football in another country is just too appealing to turn down.”