Luton boss not looking at the free agent market just yet as he hopes Adebayo will feature

By Gbam Godwin Last updated Sep 18, 2025

Luton boss not looking at the free agent market just yet as he hopes Adebayo will feature.

After selecting striker Elijah Adebayo in his 19-man EFL squad last week, Hatters manager Matt Bloomfield has stated that he is not currently considering the free agent market because he is still optimistic the forward can contribute to Town’s League One campaign in the second half.

During the 1-1 draw against Leeds United in early April, the 27-year-old, who has scored 47 goals in 182 outings for Luton since joining from Walsall in February 2021, sustained a significant ACL injury.

The forward, along with Jacob Brown and Marvelous Nakamba, who have not yet played, made the squad even though he won’t be available until deep into the new year and was unable to play in Town’s eventual relegation from the Championship. for Town this term as well.

Bloomfield commented on his inclusion: “We hope he will play in the second part of the season. There’s little possibility he’ll be available throughout the first half of the season, but we hope he will at some time.

He’ll be correct when he is, and it won’t be based on emotion or hope. We’re excited to have Eli return when he’s fit, but he’ll have to be ready.

He’s got to feel well, he’s got to go through all of the stages of his recovery, and we’re looking forward to having him back, perhaps this season, but definitely not soon.”

Although Town can list 22 players in their squad, which excludes goalkeepers and U21s, three spaces remain open following a transfer window that saw 14 new arrivals and 11 departures.

When asked if they had been left available with the intention of bringing in a player who is currently without a club, or promoting youngsters like Zack Nelson, Christ Makosso, and Gideon Kodua, to name a few, who will qualify as senior members next term, Bloomfield replied: “I think there’s a number of elements to consider.

“I don’t think we’re looking at free agents right now, but if we need to, we’re always looking. What I mean is there’s nothing immediate about bringing in a free agent.

We clearly have a number of young players who do not qualify to be classified in that group but are still part of our squad, including Zack Nelson and Christ.

“They need time to develop. I wish to safeguard, nourish, and improve them. Christ and Zack will be huge players for our football club, and it is my obligation as a manager and coach to assist these guys grow, improve, and become great.

They’re not on the named squad because of their age, but they’re an important part of what we’re trying to do, as evidenced by the minutes they’ve played.