League One side Luton Town are expected to complete a deal that allows former Manchester United defender Teden Mengi to depart the club this summer transfer window.
The 24-year-old has struggled with injury issues during his spell at Kenilworth Road, which has seen him miss parts of both the club’s League One and Championship campaigns.
Mengi was a part of the academy at Manchester United since the age of 7 years old. He failed to make a senior appearance but did appear on the bench as an unused substitute in the EFL Cup, Champions League and Europa League.
The defender enjoyed loan spells at both Derby County and Birmingham City, with his spell at the latter impacted by a hamstring injury.
How has Mengi fared at Luton Town?
In August 2023, Mengi made the move to Kenilworth Road, when they were at a Premier League side for an undisclosed fee. He performed reasonably well during his time in the top-flight but was unable to stop his side from being relegated to the Championship.
The Hatters struggled to get to grips with the second tier and a serious knee injury limited his ability to impact his side. Injury would strike again in League One, as he saw his season ended early by a hamstring injury, although he did make 25 appearances.
What has Jack Wilshire said on Mengi?
Wilshire discussed the player’s future with Luton Today, after it was confirmed that the now-fit defender would not play in any pre-season friendly fixture.
“He’s fit, and I spoke about Teds earlier on in pre-season.
We brought in a centre back, Haks came through last year, we still have Mads, we still have Kal who can play there, so while he’s here of course he’s training with us and there’s an opportunity for him, however, I’ve had these conversations with him as well, it’s probably best if he finds something else, but we’ll see with that. Yes, I want to remain respectful to Teden as he’s someone I’ve got massive respect for, but he knows the situation anyway, and he’s training, but looking for something.”
Where Next for Teden Mengi? – Is a Transfer Likely?
Unfortunately for Mengi, injuries have seriously hampered what a promising career was. Injuries over the last two seasons, as well as one previously on loan at Birmingham City, show that he cannot be relied upon to play 30+ games a season.
The player will likely need a club to take a chance on him, perhaps on a short-term deal to allow him to prove his fitness and earn a longer-term deal. As a defender, in what is likely to be a tough and physical league, it is important that he can demonstrate his issues are in the past.
There will likely be some tentative enquiries, such is his quality when he is fit. But that injury record could seriously hold back any options further up the leagues.
There is a chance he will stay at Luton Town, as he is still under contract, but it appears that his spell at Kenilworth Road may have run its course.
