Transfer Talk: Luton would be mad as Hatters to change strategy

Dan Fitch
LiveScore
  
Luton are sticking to the transfer plan that brought them to the Premier League
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Luton may now be a Premier League club but they are not spending like one. 

While their new rivals look to sign players with experience of the English top flight, or talented stars from abroad, the Hatters are doing things differently. 

So far this summer, they have recruited from the Football League and there are no signs of them significantly shifting from this plan. 

Ahead of 2023-24 season, we take a look at whether Luton's transfer strategy is the right decision for the Bedfordshire club. 

Summer shopping

Luton have signed two players in this summer window. Winger Chiedozie Ogbene moved from Championship side Rotherham on a free transfer. 

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He has been joined by Barnsley centre-back Mads Andersen, who makes the step up from League One to the Premier League. 

When it comes to future business, a goalkeeper is a priority, with Luton having decided against keeping last season's loanee Ethan Horvath. 

This is an area where manager Rob Edwards does seem to want some Premier League experience, with the veteran free agent Asmir Begovic set to sign. 

Another player that Luton are reported to be in talks with is Birmingham winger Tahith Chong, who came through the Manchester United youth system. 

Other targets include Leeds full-back Cody Drameh and Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, both of whom spent last season on loan at Kenilworth Road. 

Mads Andersen impressed for Barnsley in League One last season

Sweet success

Luton chief executive Gary Sweet was recently quizzed on the club's transfer plans. 

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He said: "We firmly believe if a group of players are good enough to get you there, they are generally good enough to keep you there. 

"What we always need to do though is to top up with a little extra quality, depending on what division it is. 

"In the Championship, we had that little extra athleticism, this time around it's a little extra technical ability. 

"We have to put £12million or £13m into the stadium. There are always liabilities like bonuses and sums of money you may give to other clubs on contingent transfer fees. 

"You're into £20m to £25m by that time. We were putting a good £25m chunk in the first year into the stadium. 

"So half of the money from broadcast rights is going effectively on infrastructure. Our budget will be somewhat restricted by what is remaining but we still believe we can be competitive."

Smart strategy

Luton signed Elijah Adebayo from League Two club Walsall in 2021

A decade ago, Luton were preparing for a campaign in the National League. They did not reach the top level of the English pyramid without making smart decisions in the transfer market. 

Club legend Mick Harford is the chief recruitment officer and has overseen a progression built on canny purchases from within the Football League. 

Examples include midfielder Jordan Clark, who was signed from Accrington and striker Elijah Adebayo, who came from Walsall. 

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It would be a risk for the Hatters to divert from a successful strategy. Even if they stretched themselves, they could still end up relegated. 

When you look at well run clubs within English football, Luton can be compared with the likes of Brentford and Brighton. 

Those outfits have adapted their strategies gradually rather than radically, upon reaching the Premier League and having stayed there. 

Luton seem to be doing likewise and with a new stadium to build, it is the sensible decision.

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Luton TownPremier League

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