The 21-year-old arrives with significant senior experience, having spent the first half of this season on loan at Mansfield Town, where he made 25 appearances across all competitions and established himself as a key figure in League One.

McDonnell also enjoyed a highly successful loan spell with Colchester United during the 2024/25 season, winning the club’s Young Player of the Year award and earning a place in the League’s Team of the Year for his influential performances in midfield.