I don't think he wants cleats, he want to use the clips because he is afriad of being too locked in with clipless.
The first problem is the lugged sole mtb shoe wasn't meant to use that way and they might get snagged or stuck when you're trying to get out quickly.
In the last century I used those awful foot torture devices and I was able to obtain xxl clips from Christophe which I was able to bend to make more room for my feet.
If you get some SPD type pedals and loosen the tension and practice you will be fine.