Walsall will be watching this Saturday’s Championship play-off final with hopes of Luton achieving promotion in order to receive a financial boost through former player Elijah Adebayo’s contract, as reported by The Express and Star .
Adebayo was with The Saddlers from 2019 until January 2021 before signing for Luton on deadline day for an undisclosed fee. The striker had scored 18 goals in 39 League Two starts for Walsall, and really came into his own during his final season at the Bescot Stadium.
Luton are now just one win away from playing in the Premier League next season for the first time in the club’s history. They will go into the play-off final as favourites against Coventry having got past a tough Sunderland side in the semi-finals. Having been 2-1 down after the first leg at the Stadium of Light, The Hatters knew that they had to improve at Kenilworth Road if they were to progress. A convincing 2-0 victory in which they had the lions share of the chances in the match propelled them to their first trip to Wembley since the 2012 National League play-off final. Just 11 years after playing in the National League, Luton could potentially be playing top-flight football next season.
How does this benefit Walsall?
The Saddlers could be in for a financial boost if Luton do get promoted as a result of a clause in Adebayo’s contract when he departed Bescot Stadium. When interviewed last season, co-chairman of the club, Leigh Pomlett, described the transfer as:
“The best move we ever made”
It is unknown how much Walsall will receive from Luton if they are to reach the Premier League, but given Pomlett’s choice of words, Saddler fans will no doubt be excited for what happens next.
Who is Elijah Adebayo?
The 25-year-old is a physical striker who certainly has an aerial presence. Originally in the youth set up at Fulham, Adebayo made 37 under-21 appearances for The Cottagers, scoring 13 times as well as supplying 9 assists. He however never saw first team action and loan spells to Cheltenham, Stevenage and Swindon followed before signing for Walsall prior to the 2019/20 season. The Londoner has scored 32 times in 108 appearances so far for the Hatters including the opener in their first leg of the semi-finals against Sunderland. Adebayo is under contract until 2024 at Kenilworth Road, and if Luton are to be promoted, he will be fighting for his place in the first team next year.
Writer’s view
The Championship play-off final will have big implications on Walsall’s budget for the forthcoming season. No doubt Saddler fans will be hoping for a Luton win in order to challenge for promotion next season in League 2 after a disappointing 16th place finish this season. The arrival of new boss Mat Sadler signifies that a rebuild is imminent and the extra cash could prove vital in their chase for promotion next season.
