Ben Sheaf joins: 2 signings Luton Town should try make before Burnley match on August 12th
Luton Town are preparing for life back in the Championship after suffering relegation from the Premier League.
The Hatters finished 18th in the table in their sole campaign in the top flight, with Rob Edwards unable to keep the team in the division beyond one year.
He will be aiming to guide the club back to the big time at the first attempt in what should be a competitive promotion battle in 2024/25.
Luton will get their Championship return underway on 12 August with a clash against Burnley at Kenilworth Road.
But there is still some time before then for them to complete a couple of transfers to bolster their squad for that big opening fixture.
Russell Walters and Shandon Baptiste have already joined the team during the off-season, arriving as free agents from Arsenal and Brentford respectively.
Here we look at two more signings Luton should try to make before they take on the Clarets in a couple of weeks…
Ben Sheaf
Luton were linked with a move for Ben Sheaf earlier this year prior to their relegation to the Championship.
If the Hatters are going to make a serious push for promotion back to the top flight again this season, then it is a deal they should follow through with.
The Coventry City star was a standout figure in Mark Robins’ side last year, and is the exact kind of signing that could boost Edwards’ squad.
The 26-year-old is a strong all-rounder and could make up for the loss of Ross Barkley to Aston Villa.
It remains to be seen what kind of fee could tempt the Sky Blues into a sale, especially as he is such an important part of the team.
But Luton have yet to spend since going back down to the Championship, so this could be the kind of statement signing that shows their readiness to battle for a top-two spot.
It would also have the benefit of weakening a possible promotion rival, as Coventry will have their sights set on the top six themselves.
Jaidon Anthony
Jaidon Anthony spent last season on loan with Leeds United, having been unable to convince with Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Another stint in the Championship, whether on a temporary or permanent basis, might be beneficial for the winger’s development.
Anthony would also be a good fit for the Hatters, who are lacking in wide options on the left flank going into the new campaign.
The 24-year-old needs to find somewhere that he can get regular game time in order to get his career back on track after an underwhelming time at Elland Road.
Luton could be a good spot for him, especially given their promotion ambitions.
Anthony does know what it takes to finish inside the top two, having contributed eight goals and six assists for the Cherries when they finished second in the Championship under Scott Parker in 2022 (all stats from Fbref).
Edwards is the kind of coach that could help him recapture that form, so it’s a move that he should seriously weigh up if an offer does arrive this summer.
