Luton Town have announced the signing of Carlos Mendes Gomes on a permanent transfer from League One’s Morecambe for an undisclosed fee.
Mendes Gomes impressed in midfield for the Shrimps with 18 goals in 91 appearances in all competitions across the last three seasons, including 15 goals during last season’s successful League Two campaign which saw them clinch promotion via the play-offs.
Luton confirmed in a statement that Mendes Gomes was amongst their main transfer targets and praised Morecambe for their “pleasure” in transfer discussions, especially given the link between both clubs through legendary entertainer – Eric Morecambe who was born in Morecambe but supported the Hatters.
Morecambe FC Director, James Wakefield commented on this transfer as he admitted that it would be difficult to keep Mendes Gomes beyond 2021-22 season, with the club deciding to sell him now rather than let him depart on a free transfer next summer.
Wakefield went on to explain that Morecambe’s desire was to see Mendes Gomes make a specific move upwards to a Championship club which had “a proven track record” in youth development, with Luton fitting their ambitions with a “happy” deal to suit both clubs and Mendes Gomes.
Luton manager, Nathan Jones returned Morecambe’s compliments by praising them for their “superb” negotiations, before describing Mendes Gomes as “a joy” to sign given his football journey from playing for Getafe and Atletico Madrid at youth level to finding himself forced to play English grassroots football.
Jones also noted that rival offers were all based closer to Morecambe where Mendes Gomes’ family is based, so he spent time with Mendes Gomes, his representatives and family who Jones described as “close-kinit” and is “delighted” that the 22 year-old has agreed to the move.
The ex Stoke City manager also spoke of Mendes Gomes as showing a “wonderful ability” as well as “great, great character” on top of “great courage” as evidenced by his winning penalty in 2020-21 League Two Play-Off Final against Newport County and believes that he can made an impact in both short and long term.
Mendes Gomes will now join his new teammates for pre-season ahead of Luton’s season opener at home to Peterborough United on weekend of 6-9 August 2021.
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