Players Luton Could target this summer
Relegation to League One will likely see significant change to the Luton Town squad and Matt Bloomfield will be looking to create a squad fit to return straight to the Championship at the first time of asking. The Oak Road Hatter podcast team have put together their own shortlists of players Luton could target.
Matt Bloomfield will be looking to continue the good recruitment from the January transfer window.
goalkeeper
Lewis: Franco Ravizzoli (Wycombe Wanderers) - Represents an intriguing free transfer possibility, having previously played under Matt Bloomfield at Wycombe, his familiarity with the gaffer's 4ATB system could prove valuable. At 27 years old Ravizzoli represents both quality and value, a goalkeeper with proven League One credentials who could immediately strengthen Luton's promotion credentials for the 2025/26 campaign.
Adam: Sam Tickle (Wigan Athletic) - Should we need to replace Kaminski, it’s the perfect time for us to target a younger keeper. At just 23, Tickle has already amassed 50 League One appearances for Wigan and has a big future ahead of him.
Sam Tickle was named in the EFL Sky Bet League One Team of the Season.
Jamie: Franco Ravizzoli (Wycombe Wanderers) - He’s a free agent this summer and lots of the decent younger GKs in the lower leagues are all loans from higher up, so may be hard to get one of them unless we pay good money.
Finley: Josh Keeley (Tottenham Hotspur) - The young Irish goalkeeper has excelled on loan at Leyton Orient this season, keeping 16 clean sheets in 36 League One appearances and helping Orient to the play-off final. Should they miss out on signing Keeley permanently Luton target if Kaminski decides to move on.
Defence
Lewis: Sean Roughan (Lincoln City) - One of League One’s most reliable and versatile young defenders and should prove to be a smart addition for Luton. At just 21, with nearly 150 senior appearances and international youth experience for Ireland, Roughan represents the kind of high-ceiling, ready-made League One defender who could anchor the left side of Luton’s defence for years to come.
Adam: Lino Sousa (Aston Villa) - Likely Doughty moves this summer. Sousa has gained experience out on loan at Plymouth and Bristol Rovers since his move to Villa, and fits the mould of what Bloomfield will want in his full-backs / wing-backs.
Jamie: Josh Wilson-Esbrand (Manchester City) - A City loanee that I had hoped we would sign in January. Turns out he went to relegation rivals Stoke, started well and then faded as he was replaced by a rotating door of other LB options. That wouldn’t have done his career any good and may look to find a home and kickstart a career that hasn’t fulfilled initial promise.
At just 22-years-old, Wilson-Esbrand would provide a good long-term option at fullback.
Finley: Kayne Ramsay (Charlton Athletic) - Right back has been a problematic position for some time now, with Hashioka and Walters both failing to establish themselves. I think Hashioka will leave in the summer and Kayne Ramsay would be the ideal option to bring in to challenge Walters. The 24-year-old is a hugely capable defensive fullback, impressing in Nathan Jones’ Charlton side
Midfield
Lewis: Harvey Knibbs (Reading) - Adding Harvey Knibbs to our midfield is exactly the kind of smart, ambitious move we should be making. You only have to look at what he’s done at Reading, 15+ goal contributions in the last two seasons - that’s quality at League One level. With the likely shift to a 4-2-3-1 under Bloomfield, Knibbs would give us that extra attacking thrust from midfield we’ve lacked. Simply put, he’s exactly what you want in a midfielder player - he presses relentlessly, breaks up play, and scores goals.
Adam: Ethan Erhahon (Lincoln City) - One the best in his position outside of the Championship and would fit seamlessly into Bloomfield preferred 4-2-3-1 or even a 5-3-2, should we stick with that formation.
Ethan Erhahon (front left) has been at Lincoln City since January 2023.
Jamie: Aaron Morley (Bolton Wanderers) - Was pivotal to the way Bloomfield played in the first half of last season at Wycombe, playing alongside someone well known to Luton in Tyreeq Bakinson. Went back to Bolton and continued his impressive form. Not only would he significantly add to our midfield in terms of dynamism and work rate, weakening a team who may be a promotion rival with us in the process is another positive.
Finley: David Watson (Kilmarnock) - The 20-year-old midfielder has already made 100 appearances for the Scottish Premiership side, including 35 league appearances this season. He is a strong aerial presence in midfield, averaging 2.16 aerial duels won per 90 minutes, something Luton’s current midfield options in Liam Walsh and Jordan Clark in particular lack. He also contributes defensively, winning 71.4% of his tackles and has been nominated for Scottish Football Writers' Association Young Player of the Year award, after winning the award last season.
Attack
Lewis: Alfie May (Birmingham City) - Yes, he's just gone up with Birmingham, but with him turning 32 this July, they might just be open to cashing in rather than taking him to the Championship. His age means he's not one for the future, granted, but we need someone who can deliver immediately. With the aim no doubt being an immediate return to the Championship, May represents as close to guaranteed goals in league one as you'll find - 15+ goals in each of the last four seasons at this level.
Alfie May could fall down the pecking order at Birmingham if they recruit following promotion.
Adam: Richard Kone (Wycombe Wanderers) - Matt Bloomfield’s star boy. Plucked him out of non-league and waited patiently before getting him on a professional contract at Wycombe. Kone returned the favour and was brilliant at Wycombe before Bloomfield’s departure. One we could get done with enough ambition.
Jamie: Divin Mubama (Manchester City - loan) - Was released by West Ham last summer and picked up by Man City for their academy. Has scored a decent amount of goals in PL2 and now needs a full season of senior football. Remains to be seen whether he will drop down to L1, but could spearhead a powerful attack to fire the Hatters back to the Championship.
Finley: Kwame Poku (Peterborough United) - The 23-year-old winger is available on a free this summer after his contract ended at Posh. He contributed with 12 goals and eight assists in 27 League One appearances and would be a fantastic wide option as a replacement for Isiah Jones or as an additional attacking option.
