Luton Town face big decisions with the 4 players set to leave Kenilworth Road next year
The financial blow of relegation sometimes triggers mass departure, and this summer Luton Town was no different. Thirteen of the 21 players that departed the team in advance of the Championship were released on a free transfer.
The Hatters will be urged to keep first team players who are worthy of being in the division this time around in an effort to stabilise the ship and restore some of the group familiarity that once propelled Rob Edwards’ team to the high heights of Premier League football.
If things don’t work out before June, four players—including loans—are expected to leave Kenilworth Road.
| Luton Town – Contract expiring summer 2025 (Transfermarkt) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Position | Age at season end | End of contract | Estimated wage p/w (Capology) |
| Tom Krauß (Loan) | CM | 23 | Jun 30, 2025 | £22,500 |
| Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu | CDM | 31 | Jun 30, 2025 | £10,000 |
| Victor Moses | RW | 34 | Jun 30, 2025 | N/A |
| James Shea | GK | 33 | Jun 30, 2025 | £7,500 |
A meager amount compared to many other EFL clubs. However, it is the quality and legacy of certain players set to depart that may concern Luton supporters.
Tom Krauß
Even though he was only a temporary addition, Tom Krauß was a surprising and good addition in late August because he was still young and had Bundesliga experience.
The German midfielder has played for RB Leipzig, Schalke, and most recently, Mainz, in addition to making more than 40 appearances for his country’s youth teams.
The 23-year-old Leipziger’s reputation and relevance in his native country were seriously jeopardised by the Luton loan, but after a season in which he averaged 46 minutes per game, he has made it apparent that he needs to step down in order to play as much football as possible to advance.
Upon signing, manager Rob Edwards spoke gleefully of his new midfielder’s enthusiasm for the challenge: “What’s been brilliant for us is how keen he is to join”. It is reasonable to assume that Krauß has been assured significant game time as part of the deal.
While it may be up to the player rather than the club, Edwards will do well to keep a player of Krauß’s potential in Bedfordshire for as long as possible.
Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu
Born in Barnet, the DR Congo international has had such a unique career that it would seem unreal to viewers if it were a movie.
Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, who played for Luton Town for almost 400 games, is without a doubt a legend. After joining the then-fifth-tier team in 2013, Mpanzu became the first player in history to be promoted from the National League to the Premier League with a single club.
The midfielder has a long history with the team, but this season he has only contributed sporadically. Despite his youth, he has every opportunity to return to the starting lineup.
Having said this, with his contract ending, and fortunes seemingly having peaked, it may be a natural and amicable time to bring his unfathomable Luton Town tenure to a close.
Victor Moses
A shock free transfer in September, former Chelsea, Liverpool, Inter Milan and Crystal Palace wide-man Victor Moses joined Luton as a free agent, having most recently been playing in the Russian Premier League for Spartak Moscow.
At the age of ten, Moses is said to have relocated to London, a city with a strong legame, after playing at the capital’s clubs for six years in a row. His wish to get back to the big smoke apparently played a role in his decision to accompany the Hatters. Following his arrival, Moses told the BBC, “I had a few offers from Europe, but I said to my agent that I set my mind on staying over here, and here we are.”
The former Crystal Palace star may finish his career with EFL stints at the age of 33. When prominent celebrities band together with groups during a period of transition, Moses seems like a humble person.
James Shea
Finally, we have 34-year-old goalkeeper James Shea.
She was the first custodian for the Wombles in their brief history of success when she joined Luton Town from AFC Wimbledon in 2017.
Despite this, Shea is currently in her ottava season at Kenilworth Road and has yet to score more than 100 league points for the team.
In the event of an offer, the young custodian from London is most likely willing to sign a contract.
When everyone is ready, the process’s order seems to indicate that Shea is above the requirements, with Thomas Kaminski coming in first and Tim Krul coming in second.
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