foIt appears from the outset to be a difficult task for Matt Bloomfield to successfully secure an instant return to the Championship for Luton Town. However, they have now secured an impressive deal for a defender who has the experience of achieving promotion from the third tier.Â
There was always going to be an element of change after the Hatters suffered back-to-back relegations, and that has been the case this summer. The club has now confirmed its fourth summer signing, following a raft of departures. The news comes after the signing of Jake Richards, an exciting midfield prospect, formerly of Exeter City.
Bloomfield’s New-Look Defensive Trio
Despite suffering relegation from the Championship last season, Bloomfield had plenty of success after taking the reins in January. His preference for a three-at-the-back formation was more successful than the handful of times he opted for a four, and the summer signings may indicate an overhaul of the personnel in this position.
The manager picked up six wins and as many draws in his 20 matches in charge. If the club had maintained that form throughout the campaign, they would have finished with 55 points and been clear of the bottom three.
Kal Naismith has arrived permanently following a loan spell and, should he stay injury-free, he will likely be one of the first names on the teamsheet in defence at Luton Town in League One this season.
24-year-old Mark McGuinness was arguably the team’s best player in the Championship last season, and he should remain a key fixture in the heart of the defence. It appears that he may have two new faces beside him when the new season commences in August, with a former League One title winner confirmed as a new arrival.
Luton Town Sign Dutch Defender on Loan
A key feature of Plymouth Argyle’s League One title-winning run in 2022/23 was the solid presence of Nigel Lonwijk at the heart of the defence. The Dutch defender sat at the top of the club’s charts for interceptions and tackles per game. His displays raised expectations of his potential, and he has been on subsequent loan spells with Grasshoppers, Wycombe Wanderers and Huddersfield Town.
Lonwijk missed the run-in in 2024/25 at Huddersfield Town due to injury, and the Terriers suffered nine defeats in eleven matches. He topped the club’s charts for interceptions there also, and the player will now seemingly play a key role in the Hatters’ promotion charge as Wolves have confirmed the defender has signed a new deal and joined Luton Town on loan.
He is without a doubt the standout signing of the four confirmed to be in the door at Luton Town so far. This is an exciting addition for supporters as Lonwijk should be considered one of the top defenders in League One ahead of the new campaign.
