Luton Town look all but set to return to the Championship on Sunday, barring a near-impossible goal swing in their favour. But the Hatters have still exceeded all expectations.
Back in August, some sceptics had tipped them to accrue fewer points than Derby County’s 11 in 2007/08. And yet, despite being guaranteed to finish on less than 30 points, Rob Edwards’ side have scored almost as many goals as Manchester United, and have taken part in some incredible games.
While many Luton fans will already have made peace with relegation, the reality will surely hit home at the final whistle of their clash against Fulham. But the hardest pill of all to swallow will be the sight of several key players leaving Kenilworth Road.
Here are the five players we believe will be snapped up in no time at all.
Luton players leaving this summer: our top five
5 – Thomas Kaminski
It may seem odd to pick out the goalkeeper of a side who have conceded 81 goals in 37 games, but Thomas Kaminski has enjoyed some truly heroic performances this term. The 31-year-old Belgian was outstanding against Liverpool, for example, when the Hatters held Jurgen Klopp’s men to an impressive 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road.
The former Anderlecht man is more than just a shot-stopper though. He is trusted in Luton’s buildup, both short and long, and has excelled when sweeping. Indeed, his 1.95 defensive actions outside the penalty area per 90 is in the 93rd percentile of goalkeepers in the top five European leagues.
4- Carlton Morris
Luton’s joint-highest goalscorer, Carlton Morris built on his 20-goal campaign to get Luton into the Premier League with a further 10 goals in his debut top flight campaign.
Scoring ten goals in the Premier League is no mean feat for a newcomer. Morris has worked hard to get where he is, and he continues to make life difficult for defenders with his off-ball work.
Anyone who hits double figures in a relegation season never fails to stand out from the rest, so Morris will have no shortage of suitors come July.
3- Elijah Adebayo
Tied with Carlton Morris on 10 goals is Elijah Adebayo. A former Fulham academy player, Adebayo has made a serious impression on the top flight, despite being limited to just 1,344 minutes due to injury.
But within a haul that notably contains no penalties, the Englishman is averaging 0.67 goals per 90 minutes. That's an astonishingly good return.
Adebayo is physically dominant too, and can thus score goals in a variety of ways. He can use his height and jumping power to slam in headers, as he did against Arsenal, or tear in behind using his pace.
Having signed a contract extension in 2023, Adebayo won’t come cheap. But having shown so much goalscoring potential at the highest level, he will be wanted by next season’s Premier League clubs.
2. Ross Barkley
One of the Premier League’s most heartening stories this season has been Ross Barkley’s renaissance. The England international returned from an injury-hit campaign at Nice and has thrived in a deeper role at Kenilworth Road.
Everything good that Luton do typically runs through the 30-year-old. He carries the ball from deep, sprays passes and is a tough tackler. Yet, the ex-Evertonian still retains some of the finishing ability that helped his boyhood club get a club-high 72 PL points a decade ago.
Barkley’s new lease of life will endear him to a whole host of clubs looking to add top-drawer quality to their midfield.
1. Alfie Doughty
Our number one pick, however, is Alfie Doughty. The left-wing-back has assisted an impressive eight goals this season, but that doesn't even begin to describe what he offers.
Doughty has a wicked left foot, from both open and set-plays. He also carries the ball very well and works hard to win the ball back.
Creativity is valuable, particularly from wide areas. And at just 24, Premier League clubs will be queuing up to take a punt on the young Englishman
