Luton Town Face Major Blow as Star Defender Set to Depart
Luton Town look set to lose one of their standout defenders this summer, with Teden Mengi attracting strong interest from multiple clubs, including newly promoted Burnley.
Scott Parker’s side is rumoured to be interested in bringing the former Manchester United defender to the club to replace CJ Egan-Riley, who is expected to leave for French side Strasbourg at the end of June.
It is rumoured that Mengi doesn’t want to play in the third-tier next season and would be open to a move away from Kenilworth Road, with Championship play-off winners Sunderland also interested.
Championship side Middlesbrough are also reportedly interested in recruiting the 23-year-old, as well as Birmingham City, where he spent half a season on loan in 2022, making ten appearances.
The England under-21 international joined Luton Town ahead of their Premier League debut in 2023/24, making 30 appearances and scoring once during a tough campaign. Despite his efforts, the Hatters were relegated after just one top-flight season.
Mengi’s following year was also interrupted by injury—he made just 20 appearances in 2024/25 after suffering a knee issue in December as Luton were relegated again, this time to League One.
With two relegations in two seasons and a desire to remain at a higher level, Mengi appears keen to move on from Kenilworth Road. His combination of Premier League and Championship experience at a young age makes him a valuable asset for any club looking to strengthen their backline.
What’s next for Luton Town?
The Hatters’ dramatic fall continues, becoming only the fourth club to suffer consecutive relegations from the Premier League and Championship—joining Swindon, Wolves, and Sunderland in unwanted history.
Facing a season in League One, the Hatters may be set for several outgoings, with plenty of players rumoured to be keen to depart.
Manager Matt Bloomfield has already been ruthless with some of the outgoings this summer, with quadruple promotion winner and club hero Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu released by the Bedfordshire side. The midfielder joined the club in the National League in 2014 and made 405 appearances throughout Luton’s remarkable rise to the Premier League.
Alfie Doughty is also rumoured to be on his way out of Luton, with a few clubs considering him too good for League One. The Englishman made just 27 appearances last season, scoring once and registering four assists, but has attracted attention from clubs overseas, according to Football League World.
Over 10 clubs are also rumoured to be interested in Luton Town forward Aribim Pepple, who spent last season on loan at both National League side Southend United and League Two team Chesterfield. Pepple is rumoured to be keen on a return to the Spireites in the fourth tier, where he scored five goals in 20 games.
But it’s not all outbound business at Kenilworth Road. Former Middlesbrough midfielder George Saville is rumoured to be one of the first names that Matt Bloomfield wants to bring to Luton after the expiration of his deal at Millwall.
The 32-year-old Northern Ireland international would bring a host of experience to the Hatters, having won League One with Bristol City in 2014/15 and made 59 appearances in the division with three clubs. He could be key to guiding Luton Town back to the Championship next year.
