Luton Town defender Christ Makosso could return to Kenilworth Road next season if the club earn promotion to the Championship, according to manager Jack Wilshere.
The 21-year-old joined Championship outfit Oxford United last week on loan until the end of the season. The deal also included a £3 million option to buy.
The move to the Kassam Stadium saw Makosso reunite with Matt Bloomfield, who left Luton in October. The Congo international had been an ever present under his former boss following his arrival from Belgian outfit RWD Molenbeek last year.Â
Despite suffering relegation from the Championship, the highly rated youngster retained his place in League One. He started eight of the Hatters’ opening 11 games before the former Wycombe Wanderers manager was replaced by Jack Wilshere. However, he featured just twice following the change of guard, prompting speculation that a temporary exit was on the cards.
Oxford Beat Off European Competition
Makosso attracted attention from across the continent during the recent transfer window. This included several sides in Belgium including Cercle Brugge, Anderlecht and Royal Antwerp. Furthermore, Swiss outfit Sion and La Liga’s Levante were also said to be keen.
It appeared as if Brugge had won the race when it was revealed by journalist Rudy Galetti that talks had progressed over a six-month loan deal with a €3.5 million option to buy. However, Oxford swooped at the last minute to clinch the defender’s signature.
Speaking upon the announcement, the 2025 Luton Young Player of the Season claimed that the chance to link back up with Bloomfield played a huge role in his decision:
“I’m very excited to be joining Oxford United and to be back playing in the Championship.Â
“I have a strong relationship with the gaffer. He played a big role in my development at Luton and knows my game inside out.”
Welcome, Christ Makosso.
We are delighted to announce the signing of Republic of Congo international Christ Makosso on loan from Luton Town, with an option to buy.
— Oxford United (@OUFCOfficial) January 31, 2026
Wilshere Keeps Door Open For Makosso Return
Despite Oxford possessing an option to buy, it appears as if Wilshere isn’t ruling out a shock return to his first team squad next season. However, this all depends on whether he can guide the club to promotion. Speaking to Luton Today, the former Arsenal and England midfielder said:
“I said it about Christ after the Stevenage game here when he had to come in, after not playing for so long, I thought he did really well.
“You only do that if your attitude every day is to improve and help the team because he wasn’t in the team, so he was helping the team; Especially when I arrived here, there were a few times he was late, I sat down with him and I challenged him to improve that so I can trust him and he did that.
“He was really professional and I think the important thing is that it’s a loan and hopefully if we reach our goal that we want to, if we are in the Championship, the team looks different and maybe Christ Makosso can help us. So we’ll be keeping a close eye on him and I wish him all the best there.”
Luton currently sit just outside the play-off positions in League One, six points behind sixth placed Huddersfield Town. They do possess a game in hand on the Terriers and return to action this weekend when they face fellow promotion challengers Bradford City at Kenilworth Road.
