Portsmouth and Oxford United should gamble on signing Luton Town man this summer: Opinion
Portsmouth and Oxford United have both registered their interest in Luton Town midfielder Shandon Baptiste, as per Hayters, and should be trying to make a deal possible if they are to survive next campaign.
Portsmouth and Oxford United are both looking to strengthen their squads over the coming months. Pompey finished 16th in the table in their first season since gaining promotion from League One. OUFC finished one place below them in the division.
John Mousinho’s side will likely be aiming for a repeat of last term and solidify their status in the second tier, and the U’s will ideally be hoping for the same too.
The summer window will be vital for both teams, and it had been reported earlier in the week by Hayters that they are after Luton Town’s Baptiste. He joined the Hatters on a free transfer last year following his release from Brentford and only made 16 appearances due to injuries.
It would be a gamble to say the least for either side to sign the 27-year-old given his injury record but the quality of the midfielder could be too hard to resist. The Grenadian previously came through the ranks at Oxford United before moving to the Bees in 2020.
Shandon Baptiste to leave Luton Town?
It could turn out to be a short spell at Kenilworth Road for Baptiste after his injury-ridden 2024/25 season. Luton Town head coach Matt Bloomfield has spoken about his admiration of the player and how highly of him so it would be a surprise to see him leave.
Bloomfield said: “He’s someone I’ve admired from afar for a number of years, he’s a top player, a really top player and for him to have that moment (against Coventry City) after such a frustrating season, football throws up these stories and I’m so pleased for him.
“He’s another fantastic option for us and another player that we think so highly of that we haven’t had as much as we would have loved to.”
He has the quality to play second football though if he can keep fit. Whether or not Portsmouth or Oxford United will want to pull the trigger and gamble on a deal remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that he would be worth a punt if the finances were right.
Portsmouth and Oxford United must strengthen this window
Portsmouth and Oxford United will have to add quality to their sides if they are to be competitive again and Baptiste is the sort of player who, when fit, can make any team a lot better.
The pair finished strongly last year and will need to begin the next campaign on the front foot to give themselves the best chances of staying up.
