Submitted by Andrew McMellon (@andrew_mc84)
Host of My Best Eleven Podcast, Journalist and Pundit (https://mybesteleven.podbean.com/ & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosPHLqTf7KuZfKVtlVLy0Q)
As we know from past transfer windows, both Nathan Jones and Mick Harford love to sign players from free transfers. This includes Henri Lansbury, Cameron Jerome, Kai Naismith and Reece Burke in the last 12 months alone.
Below, we look at some players who could be tempted away with either a small fee in January or for a free transfer (and the Town can start negotiating a summer move according to Bosman rules) now.
All of the information used in the article is from Transfermarkt.com and is correct as of 6th January 2022.
1. Nick Powell
This would be an attacking midfielder who the club would love to attract. He is not the age profile of young and hungry but he would bring real quality to the side in an area they are lacking. An ex Man Utd player and England U21 starter, he could provide much needed flamboyance without the injury proneness which a player in his position may often have.
2. Joe Rothwell
This could be a player who offers steal to a midfield which has struggled with putting its foot in and also running with the ball. He can play on the left, right or middle and has been at Blackburn for 6 seasons, becoming a firm favourite in that time. Has created 7 assists and chipped in with 2 goals, he will have a lot of suitors but could be worth a look
3. Steven Sessagnon
Currently on loan at Bristol, where he has struggled for game time, Jones may look to signing a 21 year old, experienced right back. This is a position where Luton have struggled to fill since returning to the second tier and with Bree’s contract up and Kioso seemingly not in the plans, he could be a good option. Short and fast player with a great engine on him, Steven is also the twin brother of Ryan (who launched himself onto the scene at Fulham and now plays at Tottenham.
4. David Button
A player who Luton fans may recognise as someone who has been at the Kenilworth for a brief spell before. A keeper surely is on the radar with Sluga’s renewed contract seemingly gone quiet, many assume he will make his way to a new club in the summer, the club will bring in a new keeper. Most fans are resigned to Chris Walton being the new goalkeeper but there are other options and Button has struggled to get in the team due to Sam Johnstone’s form and age. At 28, he is reaching his peak and the club has to ask whether they want to risk youngsters in such an important position
5. George Honeyman
A versatile and play making midfielder who plays at Hull City and has been one of their main players in the hunt to stay in the Championship after bouncing straight back last season. He does not assist many according to statistics but speaking to Hull fans, they know when he is missing. He makes runs and is always the one double marked, sacrificing himself for the team to make space for others
6. Massimo Luongo
This one may be dependent on how Sheffield Wednesday do on their attempt to return to the Championship. They have backed themselves in the transfer market and Luongo who has played at Swindon and QPR before joining the Owls can be a versatile as well as experienced Championship midfielder. He is currently trying to rebuild his career after it stalled at QPR but is a capable and versatile international player for Australia
7. Chey Dunkley
Another player who could be poached depending on Sheffield Wednesday promotion, he is a great centre back who has played all the way down and now up the leagues. Can be relied upon and has a very good injury record as well showing fitness is not an issue. At over 6ft, he is a great defender to add to the mix of defenders the Town have at present, especially with Jones not seeming to know if he wants to player 3, 5 or 4 at the back.