"Hands down" - Luton Town man tipped to be at centre of summer transfer battle | OneFootball

The left-back has been extraordinary for the Hatters in recent seasons, and could be the subject of interest in the summer.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Luton Town have not had the season that many expected them to have in 2024-25, and they are in danger of suffering an astounding back-to-back relegation to League One.

The Hatters are currently 23rd in the Championship table, two points off safety. However, a well-earned point away to Sheffield Wednesday before the FA Cup weekend has renewed hopes of survival.

Matt Bloomfield is still searching for his first win as manager of the Bedforshire outfit, but he does have a squad full of quality at his disposal, and you cannot help but think that his first three points is just around the corner.

Nevertheless, this lowly position does put Luton at risk of losing some of their key players in the summer, and one of their very best from their Premier League campaign could be the subject of significant interest when the season comes to an end.

Luton Town's Alfie Doughty may be a target for many clubs in summer window

This season has been somewhat of a disaster for the Hatters, but the return of Alfie Doughty from injury will be. and already has been, a huge boost for Bloomfield and co.

The 25-year-old was excellent in the top flight last season as a wing-back, notching eight assists, and he has continued to be a threat on the left flank since.

Now playing in a more advanced winger role as Bloomfield prefers to use a back four formation, there are hopes that he can be the difference maker, and help drag his side away from danger.

However, Football League World has asked their Luton Fan Pundit, Simon Mills, which player he believes will have teams interested in him the most in the summer, and Doughty was name-dropped.

For the Hatters supporter, there was only one choice, saying: "That one's easy to answer, it's going to be Alfie Doughty.

"Doughty is a phenomenal player. He just signed a new four-year deal not too long ago, and he spoke about how much he does love the club.

"But you don’t get many as versatile as him, with such a good left foot, and someone who we know is capable of getting assists in the Premier League."

Simon continued: "It's been difficult this season because he's spent time out injured, and he hasn't been available to us until recently and you can already tell how much more balanced we are on the left hand side of the field when he plays.

"It's just got to be Doughty, hands down."

Luton will need Alfie Doughty to be consistent to ensure Championship survival

The left-sided ace scored his first goal of the season against Sheffield Wednesday during his side's 1-1 draw last weekend, and he explained his belief that the Hatters have enough to survive in the Championship following the game.

However, that is not guaranteed without effort, and Luton need their key players like Doughty to perform on a consistent basis to ensure that they keep hold of their Championship status for another season.

Bloomfield needs time to be able to work with his players and to be able to get them playing at the level he desires, but games are running out and more eye-catching goals and assists from the 25-year-old will be needed to help drag the Hatters out of the bottom three and towards safety.