Luton Town are striving to make a promotion push during the 2024/25 Championship season, following their relegation from the Premier League last term, despite their spirited efforts.
When the Hatters won promotion to the top-flight via the play-off final in 2023, it was one of the most prominent feel good stories modern football has offered, as the Bedfordshire outfit successfully climbed from non-league to the Premier League in six seasons.
But next campaign, Rob Edwards’ men will have the unfamiliar tag of being one of the favourites to earn promotion back to the top-flight, having just been relegated.
In order to achieve this goal, though, it is vital that they get their transfer business right, and FLW looks at two deals the Hatters are likely to make this summer:
In: Max Johnston
Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph has reported that the Hatters, Oxford United and Birmingham City are all interested in signing Sturm Graz right-back Max Johnston on loan.
Before joining the Austrian outfit last summer, the Scotland youth international played for Motherwell, and when overseas he went on to make appearances in Champions League qualification, the Europa League and the Europa Conference League.
However, the 20-year-old could be keen on a return to the UK given that only two of his 20 appearances in the Austrian Bundesliga came from the starting 11.
Furthermore, the Hatters can count themselves as favourites in this transfer race due to Birmingham’s League One status, while Oxford will be looking to retain their Championship place, rather than looking for a Premier League spot like Luton.
Johnston’s exploits with former club Motherwell during the second half of the 2022/23 Scottish Premiership campaign showcased his abilities, as he demonstrated his creative edge by scoring three goals and providing three assists in 17 top-flight appearances north of the border.
| Max Johnston 2023/24 Scottish Premiership stats, according to FotMob | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 17 |
| Starts | 13 |
| Minutes played | 1,251 |
| Tackles won (%) | 80 |
| Duels won (%) | 46.5 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Goals | 3 |
The attacking full-back also proved his defensive qualities, as he won 80% of his attempted tackles during that season, according to FotMob.
Out: Teden Mengi
The Hatters signed Teden Mengi from Manchester United last summer, and would love to retain his services this time around as they look to enjoy a successful Championship season.
However, this may be an uphill battle for Edwards and co, as French outlet FootMercato have reported that Ligue 1 outfit Nice are interested in the defender.
Furthermore, back in January, the London Evening Standard revealed that both Crystal Palace and Fulham were battling to sign the 22-year-old who spent the 2021/22 season on loan with Birmingham from United.
The Hatters’ recent relegation to the Championship could leave them vulnerable to transfer swoops from Premier League sides such as Palace and Fulham.
The Craven Cottage side could be particularly keen on Mengi’s services following the departure of fellow centre-back and former West Brom and Blackburn loanee Tosin Adarabioyo to West London rivals Chelsea.
Mengi is a quality player who made 30 Premier League appearances for the Hatters last season, and won 128 duels in the top-flight last season.
Edwards will be keen to see what the young defender can do for his side in the Championship, but at just 22-years-old, he would be a very worthwhile investment for current top tier sides.
Losing Mengi would come as a dent to the Hatters’ promotion hopes, but it will be a difficult ask to fend off high-profile interest in the centre-half.
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