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With Luton Town now heading for the Premier League and Portsmouth boss John Mousinho confirming that their interest in bringing in Macey on a permanent deal has ended, it's hard to tell what could be next for the 28-year-old goalkeeper.
Mousinho confirmed recently that due to finances involved with Matt's contract that Portsmouth would not be able to afford his wages, showing that a permanent move to a League One team may be ruled out altogether. Keeping nine clean sheets in 21 games in the third tier, however, may give other teams in the division something to consider should they be able to secure his services on loan. Assuming that the length of the contract he signed in July 2022 with Luton is 2 years, he will be available as a free agent come June next year, meaning he could draw interest from clubs who may want to exploit this.
Many thought that Ethan Horvath would be returning between the sticks, however according to The Athletic we have chosen not to exercise the option to sign him permanently despite keeping 20 clean sheets on our way to promotion.
The Hatters currently have three goalkeepers on the books, James Shea, Jack Walton (who has today 10th July, joined Dundee United of the Scottish Championship on a season-long loan) and Matt Macey. Of these three, it is currently not looking likely that any of them will be claiming the #1 shirt in the Premier League, as the Town have been linked with the likes of Asmir Begovic who boasts many years of experience as a Premier League goalkeeper.
If there was anyone out of the three goalkeepers likely to be the long-term first-choice keeper, Jack Walton would seem to be that. Only 24 years old, a signing by Rob Edwards, and experience of first-team football in the Championship, the future of our #1 shirt could be in his hands. Following confirmation of his loan to Dundee United, Rob Edwards said: "It's by no means the end for Jack at this football club. We just feel this is the right thing for him".
All of this leads to the unfortunate reality for Macey that he may not get a chance to feature regularly, as with our loyalty to the core of the players that have helped us climb from League 2 to the top flight, James Shea may be considered for a place in the team over Macey. It is worth noting that the former Arsenal man is not a bad goalkeeper, for our recruitment team to see him as someone to spend money on last year shows this, but circumstances out of Macey's control has brought us to the position that a future away from the club may be the best for his career.
Prediction: Personally, I believe a loan to a League One club would be the most beneficial for his career. With there most probably being only a year left on his contract, he could benefit from another loan to a club that may be looking for a long-term goalkeeper solution and be able to utilise him being a free agent next year. I expect we will see a loan or a permanent move out of the club by the end of this transfer window, if not then in January.
Featured image: Copyright of Gareth Owen/LTFC