Earlier this week, reports emerged that Luton Town winger Andros Townsend was attracting interest from Super Lig outfit Alanyaspor.
According to journalist Resat Can Ozbudak, the Turks had entered into negotiations with the Hatters over a proposed transfer. It’s not the first time the 33-year-old has attracted interest from Turkey. Following his release from Everton last summer, the former England international received an official proposal from Konyaspor. However, after a brief trial at Burnley, he eventually joined Luton.
Townsend had missed the entirety of the 2022/23 campaign through injury prior to his exit from Goodison Park. After arriving at Kenilworth Road in October on a short-term deal, he enjoyed somewhat of a career resurgence, leading to him landing a longer-term deal in January.
The second half of the campaign saw the attacker feature mainly from the substitutes bench, although he still made 31 appearances in all competitions. It appears as though he was ready to drop into the Championship for the first time since a loan spell with Birmingham City in 2012.
Despite that, a move to the Turkish top tier has emerged as an option. Alongside Alanyaspor, sources have revealed to The Real EFL that league rivals Antalyaspor have also expressed an interest. However, a deal looks difficult at this stage, with Luton wanting a fee for the player, whilst Antalyaspor are hoping to negotiate a free transfer.
Much of that is likely to depend on whether or not Townsend is willing to move to the continent for one final swansong, although his stance is not clear at this stage.
The ex-Tottenham Hotspur man featured in a Luton Town XI in a friendly defeat against Port Vale earlier this week, although he did get himself on the scoresheet with an excellent free kick.
Writer’s View
Luton have every right to demand a fee, especially with Townsend still under contract. It’s not likely to be anything substantial for a player of his age either, although you can understand why the interested parties are keen to explore this option. Being able to save money on the actual transfer itself would allow any potential signing-on fee to be higher, which could tempt the 33-year-old into giving the move a go.
At this stage of his career, it may be wise to remain at Kenilworth Road. He has the stability of a contract plus could feature fairly regularly in the Championship.
Head of Writing