What would Andros Townsend add to Luton Town?

Continuing the adaptation process to the Premier League, Luton Town enter the second international break of the season in 17th place and with four points on the board, in what has been an unforgiving yet encouraging welcome to the world’s toughest division.

In true Luton Town fashion, the board invested a modest amount when it came to player recruitment, with a figure around the £17 million mark being injected to prepare for the rigours of England’s top-flight, whilst they also managed to navigate the free market well to welcome the likes of Chiedozie Ogbene, Ross Barkley and Teden Mengi.

Now, Rob Edwards’ side are casting eyes over yet another free agent, in the form of former Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and England winger Andros Townsend, as confirmed by the Luton boss in his latest press conference.

What would Andros Townsend bring to Luton Town?

Without delving into his individual qualities and the potential solutions Townsend could solve from what has been thus far, the 32-year-old has a wealth of Premier League experience behind him and remains at an age where he is at, or near his athletic best.

The vast majority of Edwards’ squad had not tasted Premier League football before a ball was kicked this season, and whilst several players have made a seamless transition, experience of the top flight could prove vital when times get tough and unprecedented situations arise.

Beyond his level of experience and looking more at the kind of player he is, Townsend is a creator of chances who possesses impressive ball-carrying skills, a directness in his approach and impressive delivery, which would certainly bode well within a side who look to attack with width in the recently-seen 5-2-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations.

Looking at the squad in its current state and making the assumption that the Hatters will continue operating with wingers, then a player of Townsend’s quality and experience level may add an extra dimension to Luton’s attacking play. Primarily a right winger, Townsend has proven over the years that he can operate on the opposite flank and as a number 10, which suggests that his addition would provide Edwards with attacking versatility with the option of continuing to deploy different formations.

What stands in the way of a potential deal?

Whilst certainly an exciting prospect, there are certainly some reasons as to why the Hatters will be approaching this situation with caution, with a recent ACL injury, that kept the 32-year-old out for 18 months, meaning that it will likely take Townsend a while to get back up to speed. Edwards is already missing several members of his squad at present and will be eager to ensure that another name is not added to the list of current absentees.

The Luton manager also insisted that a deal “has to be right for both parties” when he spoke about Townsend’s trial period with the Bedfordshire outfit, with there being next to no chance that Luton will bend their tried and tested wage structure that has been pivotal in the club’s magnificent rise through the divisions. Naturally, Townsend is a player who will have earned rather hefty wages during his career thus far and whilst a short-term deal could pave the way for the Hatters to slightly raise their weekly offering, you can guarantee that the figures being proposed are incredibly sensible.

It is an interesting position that the Hatters find themselves in as they mull over the addition of Townsend. Will the signing of an experienced, chance-creating attacker better equip the club for the ambition of surviving the Premier League drop? Are there other free agents out there that could be of better service?

Should Luton Town sign Andros Townsend? Leave your answers below...