Luton Town have signed midfielder, Tahith Chong from Birmingham City for an undisclosed transfer fee.
Chong’s move comes after he scored five goals and contributed eight assists in 60 appearances for Birmingham City across the last two seasons, having first joined on loan from Manchester United in 2021-22 season before he made his move permanent on Deadline Day in September 2022.
The 23 year-old is also returning to England’s top flight where he previously made five appearances for Man Utd across 2018-19 and 19-20 seasons, during which he managed 16 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions.
Chong is best known to Luton fans for his role in Birmingham’s 5-0 victory over the Hatters at Kenilworth Road in August 2021, during which he produced one assist.
“For me that was the first time I’d experienced that and it’s something that’s stuck with me for a long time,” explained Chong as he reflected upon that experience. “That shows the fans’ respect, and now that I’m here I’m excited to see them and look forward to gaining their trust.”
Chong went on to praise Luton for creating a friendly yet united atmosphere across all generations, as he continued: “In the few hours that I’ve been here I already get the feeling that it really is a family club.
“I’m a football fan I’ve watched some games so I’ve seen how they’ve played and it shows togetherness and unity – and you can only have that if you’re a family club.”
Chong also hinted that he expects Luton to be in a relegation battle this season but iterated that the family feel of the club could be key, as he added: “I think that’s important because every club faces adversity – it’s not always going to be good – but if you’re a family club you stick through it together and it’s easier as a family.”
Manager, Rob Edwards meanwhile admitted that he had admired Chong since the midfielder played for Man Utd’s Under-23s in a clash against Wolves, where the 23 year-old was a winger at the time but has since become more versatile and can now “play inside” midfield too.
Edwards therefore is pleased to add a player with real talent as he said: “Not only is he good technically, but athletically he’s shown another side to his game this year in the Championship, that his out of possession work was diligent, hard-working and reliable.
“He gives us some real quality as well and with the ball, an end product. He’s at a good age and he’s going to keep improving. I think he’s coming into a good environment that’s going to help him do that, give him a platform that will help him take risks and be brave.”
Edwards however urged supporters to show some patience initially with Chong as he concluded: “He’ll make mistakes, but I think he’ll thrive in our environment and we are excited to get him in the building.”
Chong’s competitive debut for Luton will take place away to Brighton on Saturday 12 August in a 3pm BST kick-off, before he makes his home debut a week later against Burnley on 19 August at 3pm.