Luton kick off their return to the Championship on Monday, 12th August, when Scott Parker’s Burnley visit Kenilworth Road.
Rob Edwards will need defensive additions following the departure of Gabe Osho and Dan Potts and the long-term, or potentially permanent absence of Tom Lockyer.
After his impressive 2023/24 campaign, Teden Mengi is said to be of interest to Ligue 1 side Nice this summer amid links to Premier League Crystal Palace and Fulham, according to a report from Foot Mercato.
We have identified three potential replacements Luton should target this summer to add defensive options, or replace Mengi.
20-year-old Charlie Hughes made 43 appearances for Wigan Athletic in League One last season as they finished 12th.
The central defender is a strong ball player in a Wigan side that play out from the back. He had a pass accuracy of 83% (Sofascore).
The right footed defender won 32 tackles and 210 duels (FotMob) in League One last season, helping his side to 14 clean sheets.
Hughes has been linked with Premier League trio Ipswich Town, West Ham and Brentford and Luton would have to pay a significant fee to bring him to Kenilworth Road.
Gustaf Lagerbielke – Celtic
Swedish central defender, Gustaf Lagerbielke joined Celtic from Swedish side IF Elfsborg in a deal worth £5 million.
The 24-year-old was limited to just ten appearances for the Glasgow side last season, scoring once in a Champions League victory over Feyenoord.
Lagerbielke is an able ball player, with a pass completion rate of 85%, whilst averaging 1.6 tackles and 4.9 ball recoveries per game (Sofascore).
The defender has made clear his desire to play, according to the Daily Record, and could look to move away from Celtic if he is not given the opportunity.
Reece Welch – Everton
Everton academy graduate, Reece Welch has made just two senior appearances for Everton at the age of 20.
The defender spent the first half of last season on loan at Forest Green Rovers, where he made 24 appearances, including 17 in League Two.
Welch won 20 tackles and 64.4% of duels (FotMob) in his 17 League Two fixtures for a Forest Green side that finished bottom of the division.
Welch would be the cheapest option, but would be a gamble on a player that has played so little senior football.
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