As the January transfer window comes to a close, it is fair to say that Luton has had some successful business happen. With 8 new signings being made, the likes of Luton being out of the relegation zone is coming close. As Matt Bloomfield has come in to take control of the team, he’s had no sympathy for anyone who isn’t performing well, or any senior players, whatsoever. Breaking the continuous away loss streak recently, Bloomfield has made significant progress and changes within the squad. Looking at the 25-man squad, here are the changes that have been made.
Upfront, the Irishman and winger, Millenic Alli, has been added from the struggling League One side, Exeter City. Striker Lasse Nordas, has also been signed from Norway, to help out the front. Another fellow Norwegian, Thelo Aasgard, who has played with Lasse Nordas in the Norwegian U21’s team has been transferred to Luton From Wigan Athletic, helping the lack of creativity in midfield. Two other additions to the midfield have been made, as well. Isaiah Jones, signed from Middlesbrough, has been put in the mix and fitted himself in quite well. He has lots of pace and seems to be much fitter than the majority of the downed Luton squad. Lastly, Josh Bowler has been added on loan from Nottingham Forest. While not having too much play time, he does seem solid and does well tracking back to help defend. The 21-year-old midfielder Lamine Fanne, has joined but unfortunately conceded a knock, ruling him out for a short time.
In the defence, the good decision of re-signing Kal Naismith who left at the end of the 21-22 season to play for Bristol was made. Taking no nonsense, the former captain will crucially help sort out the defense, most likely playing next to the Irish International center-back Mark McGuinness. Playing for the U21s currently is Christ Makosso, who wasn’t listed in the senior squad, but is a good option for the future if any injuries occur. Unfortunately, Tom Holmes, who had played the majority of the Championship games so far, has left on loan to a Belgium side to gain experience. Though looking at the listed members of the back line, 2 out of the 8 are injured, which doesn’t look good as many others are out of form.
Cauley Woodrow, who contributed important goals to the club in times of need, has left for Blackburn Rovers, as well. Shockingly, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, the first player to go from non-league to the Premier League with the same club has surprisingly been loaned out to Rotherham for the remainder of the season. Being the life and soul of the club and once referred to as the super signing, it seems he has been treated unfairly. He is a solid player, but former manager Rob Edwards didn’t favor him, lacking the amount of play time he got.
Matt Bloomfield still has some work to do, but with the week off following the end of the January transfer window, he will be able to hopefully get the team playing how he wants. With the fresh changes being made tactically and mentally, the players and fans have much more to look forward to. It’s looking more and more that Luton will not be relegated this season, and with the inspirational result of drawing away to the current 10th-place holders, Sheffield Wednesday, the outlook seems good for the future.