Luton Town have sanctioned a seven-figure exit for defender Christ Makosso to Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre as Jack Wilshere continues to plan for next season.
The Congolese international was shipped off to Oxford United midway through last season, which could have become permanent if Matt Bloomfield’s side exercised a £3 million option to buy in the deal.
France Beckons For Makosso
The 22-year-old’s future at Kenilworth Road has already been decided ahead of pre-season beginning, with Ben Jacobs confirming that Luton have agreed a deal in principle to sell Makosso to Auxerre.
It is believed that Town will receive a £2 million fee which includes add-ons, having been signed 18 months ago from Belgian club RWD Molenbeek.
Makosso played 28 times total for the Hatters and was a favourite of previous manager Bloomfield, but fell out of favour following the arrival of Jack Wilshere in October.
He was reunited with his ex-boss at Oxford, but was unable to help the U’s avoid the drop, handing both Makosso and the 42-year-old their second straight relegations to League One.
The centre-back now heads to Auxerre, who narrowly avoided relegation to the French second tier last season, and will be led into next season by former Southampton boss Will Still.
Right Choice To Make
While not as high as the fee they could have received from Oxford United if they opted to exercise their option to buy clause, selling Christ Makosso was the correct choice to make for Luton Town.
A move to Auxerre will allow the defender to keep growing and developing, and he will now have a chance to prove himself in a top division with Auxerre under the guidance of Will Still, who has seen success in France.
The Congolese man was never likely to regain the favour of Jack Wilshere, who had noted that he may have had a future with the club if Town were able to gain promotion back into the Championship.
With Hakeem Odoffin, Mads Andersen and a returning Teden Mengi still on their books, Luton will still have plenty of capable defenders on their hands as they look to improve upon a promising finish to last season.
