Luton Town’s squad should be one of the strongest in next season’s Championship. This is despite the predicted exit of some of the Hatters Premier League stars.
How Luton Town’s Squad Is Shaping Up For A Premier League Return
Departing Hatters
Sambi Lokonga returned to Arsenal after an impressive loan spell in Luton’s midfield. Though it seems he’ll be surplus to requirements for the Gunners, as the Londoners look to strengthen their squad. Right-back loanee Issa Kaboré has returned to his parent club Manchester City.
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Midfielder Ross Barkley seems set to leave, and left-wing back Alfie Doughty and forward Elijah Adebayo are two other highly prized Hatters assets the Town may struggle to keep. Whether it’s players or managers, this time of the year is always a hive of activity for Championship clubs.
A Reliable Trio Of Goalkeepers
In terms of goalkeepers, Luton are well covered. Thomas Kaminski impressed enough to be capped by Belgium. While backup ‘keepers, Netherlands international Tim Krul and long-serving James She, are vastly experienced.
Addressing Defensive Problems
Concerning the Hatters defence, Tom Lockyer’s future is still uncertain, and Kaboré and stalwart Dan Potts have left the club – and Ryan Giles probably will after his loan spell at Hull City. Conceding 85 goals in the Premier League last season proved that the back line is the area of the Luton squad – that needs the most attention from boss Rob Edwards.
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It could be that Reading signing Tom Holmes and the versatile Mads Andersen get more game time in the heart of the Town defence next season. Luton will also be hoping to keep the highly rated Teden Mengi away from the clutches of Premier League clubs. Japanese right-back Daiki Hashioka could replace Kaboré and, if Doughty does depart, promising England under-18 international left-back Joe Johnson could cement his place in the first team.
Good Options In Midfield And Wide Positions
In Luton’s Championship’s play-off final win against Coventry City of 2022-23 – the Hatters played with a midfield triumvirate. All three – Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, Jordan Clark and Marvelous Nakamba are still at Kenilworth Road.
Midfielder Luke Berry and wideman Fred Onyedinma have also left the Hatters after great service to the club. But there’s still a lot of creative talent at Luton Town. Veteran former England international Andros Townsend made some vital contributions last season. While Tahith Chong and Chiedozie Ogbene were a constant threat in wide positions.
Strong In Forward Areas
Loaned out during the 2023-24 season were forwards Joe Taylor and John McAtee. Taylor appeared for Colchester United and Lincoln City, and McAtee for Barnsley. Both impressed enough during their loan spells to suggest they could be included in the Town’s first-team squad next season.
With Elijah Adebayo, Carlton Morris, Jacob Brown and Cauley Woodrow already at the club, scoring goals shouldn’t be a problem for the Hatters in the Championship. Even if Adebayo leaves, Taylor or McAtee look ready to step up.
More Quality Than The Play-Off Winning Squad
Now in a very strong position financially, the Hatters can afford upgrades on the types of players they brought in for previous Championship seasons. Even with a scenario of departures and few new players coming in, Luton will have a good squad. Better, in fact, than the one which won promotion to the Premier League.
