Luton Town were relegated to the Championship after narrowly missing out on survival in what appeared to be a difficult Premier League season.
In order to contend for a return to the top flight, the Hatters should strive to improve in a few important areas. Already this transfer window, they have seen crucial members of last year’s team leave Kenilworth Road, including Ross Barkley’s impending exit and the return of key loanees Issa Kaboré (Man City) and Albert Sambi Lokonga (Arsenal) to their respective clubs.
Rob Edwards will have enormous intentions to rebuild and duplicate what he did the previous season, when he won the play-off final at Wembley. The Championship is undoubtedly shaping up to be a challenging field of teams once more. As a result, the appropriate recruitment will be critical this time around, as Luton open the season as top-six favourites rather than relative underdogs.
With that in mind, we look at THREE signings who would be exceptionally astute acquisitions.
Di’Shon Bernard
An injury problem had a significant impact on Luton’s quest for survival at the conclusion of last season, with depth and inexperience making it difficult to gain consistent Premier League points. The previous January window was mainly ineffective in replacing quality that had been pushed to the sidelines. Rob Edwards will try to learn from his recruitment failures this summer to ensure he has cover in all positions, notably on the back line.
Di’Shon Bernard is a player who should be on the radar of big Championship clubs vying for promotion, and with his Sheffield Wednesday contract ending in June, the Owls must make a rapid choice on whether to keep him. When Bernard went to South Yorkshire last summer, he only signed a one-year contract with no option to extend, however he did begin talks with the club at the conclusion of 23/24.
Bernard’s athletic style, along with his superb ball-playing abilities, could suit Luton if they stick with their regular three-at-the-back configuration. Similarly, when playing for the Jamaica National Team, where he has made 16 appearances, the 23-year-old is on the right side of the back three.
The former Manchester United player would be reunited with old youth teammate Teden Mengi at Kenilworth Road, which might be an attraction for the kid, giving Luton the necessary pulling power.
Luton will be obliged to reinforce in the middle of the park with the departures of Albert Sambi Lokonga, Luke Berry, and, if the deal with Aston Villa is completed, Ross Barkley.
Alex Mowatt
Alex Mowatt, a proven top-end Championship talent, has a contract that will expire at the end of June. This season, the 29-year-old has been a regular in Carlos Corberan’s West Brom squad, appearing 43 times, assisting five times and scoring twice.
His consistency in center midfield ensures not only superb ball retention (90% pass accuracy) but also consistent availability, having played over 3,250 minutes for the Baggies this season.
Mowatt has demonstrated defensive abilities in addition to keeping things moving in possession. His ability to win the ball back is an essential part of his game; he averages 1.5 tackles per game and does so in key areas of the pitch, recovering the ball 4.9 times per game, according to Sofascore.com.
If West Brom postpone his contract extension any longer, Luton may be a home for Mowatt in the twilight of his career, potentially pushing them and him to play in the Premier League next season.
Rob Edwards’ side’s strengths lie at the top of the pitch, with lots of competition for positions in the forward line and attacking midfield. Last year’s Premier League newcomers achieved an underappreciated feat: they scored at least once against every team in the league.
Tyrhys Dolan
The Hatters have tremendous Championship strength in wide areas with Chiedozie Ogbene, Tahith Chong, and Andros Townsend, but considering their injury track record, they may try to acquire one more player.
Tyrhys Dolan, a 22-year-old winger, has recently come to the attention of many Hatters supporters. The lively and dangerous forward has been with Blackburn Rovers since 2020 and has generally impressed at Ewood Park.
He has made over 160 appearances and scored 19 goals for Rovers, making him a prominent attacking player for the North West club. He appears to be on the move, as advancing in his career would be a wise acquisition for Luton, who have been watching him for some time, allowing both sides to benefit from the transaction.
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