Luton Town have agreed to sell striker Joe Taylor to Huddersfield Town in a deal worth ‘in excess of £3 million’, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The 22-year-old enjoyed two successful loan spells last season, firstly at League Two outfit Colchester United. He joined the U’s on a season-long deal, but saw that cut short last January after scoring 12 goals in 27 appearances in all competitions.
Luton were keen to see if Taylor could cut it at a higher level, so the decision was made to send him to Lincoln City for the second half of the campaign. Here, the attacker helped the Imps surge up the table, contributing 10 goals and three assists in 19 outings as Michael Skubala’s team narrowly missed out on a place in the League One play-offs.
Returning to his parent club in the summer, coinciding with the Hatters’ relegation from the Premier League, the ex-Peterborough United man stated his ambition to try his luck in the Championship. However, he struggled to nail down a starting berth under Rob Edwards and speculation was rife that he was set to move to Huddersfield Town throughout August.
Huddersfield Finally Land Their Man
The Terriers were looking for a League One proven striker to help them bounce back to the Championship at the first time of asking. They were keen to bring Taylor to the John Smith’s Stadium on loan, but the deal fell through in the final days of the window.
Rumours have been strife for the past couple of months that Huddersfield were keen to re-explore the deal again this month. Reports then emerged yesterday that a deal had been struck with Luton for a permanent transfer. Further details have now surfaced that the agreed fee stands in excess of £3 million.
Huddersfield Town are set to confirm the signing of long-term target Joe Taylor in a permanent deal from Luton Town. The deal is worth in excess of £3m and is a huge statement of intent from Huddersfield in the battle for promotion from League One. #htafc #ltfc pic.twitter.com/KWXYp8mxgG
— Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) January 10, 2025
Should the transfer get over the line, Huddersfield will be hoping Taylor is the final piece of the jigsaw that will see them return to the Championship next season. Michael Duff’s team are currently in electric form and are unbeaten in 15 games. This has seen them move up to fourth in the table, four points behind the automatic promotion places having played a game less.
Writer’s View
It’s perplexing as to why Taylor wasn’t given more of a chance at Luton. He seemed popular amongst supporters and in a season in which they have struggled in front of goal, he certainly couldn’t have done any worse than their current forwards. Edwards’ exit from Kenilworth Road perhaps comes at a bad time. He may have been given an opportunity under the next boss, although this deal may have already been in the works before the change of the guard.
