Luton Town's January signing to link up with new teammates following end of EFL loan

08/05/2024 12:57

Reading loan man Tom Holmes will officially link up with Luton Town following the end of the season, as detailed on the Royals’ official club website.

Reading sold the centre-back to Luton Town in the January transfer window on a permanent basis and he was then shipped back out on loan to Berkshire until the end of the campaign.

Holmes, 24, made 16 appearances under the guidance of Ruben Selles and has made 16 appearances in all competitions, 13 of which came in the league.

The Royals have become the latest Football League team to publish their retained list and they have confirmed the release of Matty Carson, Nesta Guiness-Walker, Sam Hutchinson and Clinton Mola, whilst Dom Ballard, Zane Monlouis and Paul Mukairu have gone back to their parent clubs.

Reading loan man heads to Luton Town

Holmes has been on the books at Reading for his whole career to date and has risen up through the academy ranks. He represented them at various youth levels and had a loan spell away at Roeselare to get some experience under his belt as a youngster.

The Londoner has made 129 appearances in all competitions altogether and losing him will be a blow for Selles’ men ahead of the next campaign.

Luton Town have a big decision to make on what to do with Holmes this summer when he links up with his new teammates.

His situation at Kenilworth Road may well depend on what league the Hatters find themselves in next term. They are currently fighting for their lives in the Premier League as they battle it out with Nottingham Forest and Burnley to stay up.

Holmes’ chances of regular game time in the top flight under Rob Edwards. However, if they return to the Championship, he could prove to be a useful player at the back for them.

After signing for Luton Town this past winter, he told their club website: "I'm very grateful for Luton's continued interest in me, I know I've been on their radar for a while now, so it's nice it's come to fruition; I've spoken to the manager and I'm excited to work together.

"My aim is to come back and hit the ground running and really impress. That's why going back will be a win-win for myself, Luton and Reading.

"It's quite a nice way for me to end my time there and do something productive. I'm excited for that opportunity and I'm relishing the challenge. It's been tough this season with a lot going on off the pitch but hopefully it will be resolved sooner rather than later and we can continue with improved performances of late."

What next for Reading?

Reading finished 17th in League One this past season and were six points above the drop zone in the end. They have a big summer ahead now with both incomings and outgoings expected.

Losing Holmes is a blow and the Royals will need to find themselves an adequate replacement from somewhere over the coming months.

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