Striker, Elijah Adebayo has signed a new contract at Luton Town.
Adebayo joined the Hatters from Walsall in January 2021 and has gone on to score 32 goals in 109 appearances across all competitions, including 10 goals last season as Luton won promotion via the Championship Play-Offs during which he scored the opening goal in the first leg defeat of their Play-Off Semi-Final at Sunderland.
The Jamaica international also provided the assist for Jordan Clark’s opening goal in the Play-Off Final against Coventry at Wembley Stadium, although he was substituted in extra time so didn’t participate in the subsequent penalty shootout after the match finished in a 1-1 draw.
Speaking to lutontown.co.uk whilst away with the Hatters on a pre-season training camp in Slovenia, Adebayo commented: “It’s wonderful to sign any contract but especially here because since I’ve come in I’ve enjoyed my time here.
“There’s a unique set of lads in the changing room that – along with the people around the club and the fans – makes it a no brainer.”
Adebayo proceeded to reflect upon his journey at Luton over the last two-and-a-half years as he continued: “Since I joined it’s been a whirlwind. When I first signed I remember saying I was here for the ride, the rollercoaster, and to just enjoy it – it’s been that and then some.
“The last couple of months have been fantastic and those are the moments why we want to be in the job.”
“We are really pleased for Eli to commit,” said manager, Rob Edwards. “It’s a fantastic re-signing. Since we arrived, he played in almost every league game and his work-rate was so consistent.”
Edwards also spoke of the importance of the World Cup break in November 2022 which allowed him to build up trust and belief in Adebayo, as he added: “We were really pleased to get that period in November where we built up a good relationship with Eli. He gave us that trust, he gave us everything.
“Sheffield United really stands out for me. He had a brilliant assist, and people remember that, but his work-rate, he just ran for 94, 95, 96 minutes after we took Carlton off.
“He had a spell where he scored in five or six games in a row at one stage, so it was great that he scored. But he contributed with so many important moments, and obviously the assist in the final.”
Seven years ago, Adebayo spent time on loan from Fulham to Non League’s Slough Town and Bognor Regis Town which led Edwards to remark that the 25 year-old has enjoyed a “quick” rise to the Premier League.
Edwards nevertheless expects Adebayo to thrive this season despite tougher competition, as he continued: “His rise has been really quick. He’s got loads of growth in him, and again, he’s another person who is in a really good environment to do that.
“There is going to be more competition this year in that position. We know we’ve gone to a level that’s the hardest in the world.
“So it’s going to be a big, big ask of him, but we believe in him – and he will keep improving, there is no doubt about that. He looks really hungry since he returned. We love him here and I know the supporters do as well.
“I know he scored loads of goals the year before, and not as many last year. But his all-round contribution, especially when we came in, was immense and I know that will continue in the Premier League.”
Adebayo is the latest player to commit his future to the club after various teammates including; Carlton Morris, Tom Lockyer and Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu also signed new contracts in recent weeks.
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