The potential amount that has been suggested to entice Cardiff City center-back Mark McGuinness to leave the Welsh capital has prompted Luton Town to reconsider their alleged transfer interest in him.
McGuinness joined the Bluebirds in 2021 after leaving his childhood team, Arsenal, but following a standout season under Erol Bulut, he may complete a move this summer.
WalesOnline recently reported that the 23-year-old was connected to a transfer to freshly relegated Luton, and they claim that Cardiff is seeking “£10 million-plus” for his services this summer.
Because Rob Edwards’ backline has been severely damaged by injuries in the postseason, the Hatters are hoping to add more defensive options before the transfer window ends on August 30. Gabriel
It remains to be seen whether they will seriously pursue McGuinness as an option going into the closing stages of the summer, as they will seemingly have to fork out an eight-figure fee if they wish to do so.
Luton Town told to look elsewhere amid Mark McGuinness interest
McGuinness is a reliable center defender in the Championship, and it appears that Cardiff will not let him go this summer unless they receive a price that fairly compensates them for his services.
Given that Luton is not known for lavishing money on players and that Cardiff’s alleged value would easily shatter their transfer record, it does not appear probable that a deal will materialize if they adhere to their asking price.
Jamie Castle, a Hatters supporter on FLW, thinks Luton cannot afford to pay the reported fee for McGuinness and that it would be shocking if the trade went through at that amount.
Speaking to Football League World, James stated, “Obviously, he is regarded as one of the better players of what was a fairly frail Cardiff City defense last season.”
“Considering the injuries that Reece Burke and Mads are currently suffering, Luton definitely need a defender.”
“We also lost Gabe Osho, but we also signed Reuell Walters, who appears to be a very excellent addition at first but will require time to develop throughout the season.
“As for Mark McGuinness, I believe he would come into the club right away and provide a lot of value to our backline.
Personally, I believe the £10 million price that is now being discussed is quite excessive, and considering other prospects who may be available and those who have already left this summer, I would be shocked if we paid that much money on a player like him.
“I would be astonished if we spent that kind of money on a player like McGuinness, considering Callum Doyle recently joined Norwich and Harry Souttar is scheduled to move to Sheffield United on loan.
“Perhaps if the price range was closer to £5 million, it would make more sense. At 24, he’s still young and has plenty of room to develop.”
“At this point, I think it would surprise me greatly if he came in for the kind of money that is being discussed.”
McGuinness would be a smart signing for the Hatters if the price is right, but it certainly does seem doubtful that he will move to Kenilworth Road if it takes over £10m to acquire his services.
Instead, Rob Edwards and co could move onto looking at other realistic targets that fit the way he wants to play as Luton target an immediate bounce back to the Premier League.
Edwards is currently lacking in defence, particularly at centre-back, as the Hatters head into their Championship curtain-raiser against Burnley on August 12 with Amari’i Bell, Reece Burke and Mads Andersen all injured, and Tom Lockyer still continuing his recovery away from football.
That leaves just Tom Holmes and Teden Mengi as his current senior options at the heart of defence, while Reuell Walters can fill in if needed, but he needs new faces fast if he is to properly shore up his backline.
Any potential hold-up over McGuinness’ fee will not be welcomed, and Edwards will not want to get embroiled in a back and forth over what each club values him at, as he looks to act quickly before the season is fully underway.
With that said, he may turn his attention to different players that are set to be more readily available, and could even look to the loan market for the first time so far this summer.
