Luton Town have signed Callum Marshall from West Ham United for an undisclosed fee, despite interest from other clubs, with manager Jack Wilshere saying the striker has the mentality to thrive at Kenilworth Road.
The 21-year-old Northern Ireland international has joined on a long-term contract after attracting interest from a number of clubs following an impressive spell on loan at Huddersfield Town and time in Germany with Bochum.
Wilshere revealed it was Marshall’s character, as much as his ability, that convinced him the forward was the right fit for his squad.
“From the first moment I met Callum I knew how hungry he was for success,” he told the club’s website.
“Naturally, a lot of other clubs were in for him, so we’re pleased that he’s chosen us and that we’re a club that’s matching his ambition and vice-versa.
“Callum’s someone that suits us, not just in terms of quality but also his mentality. He’s a bit old school in that way. He wants to get stuck in and help the team and set off the pressing – and I think he’ll take to having fans close to the pitch at Kenilworth Road.”
Wilshere knows Marshall well, having been on the receiving end of his goalscoring exploits in the 2023 FA Youth Cup final.
Marshall and fellow new Hatter Gideon Kodua were both on the scoresheet as West Ham beat Wilshere’s Arsenal side to lift youth football’s most prestigious trophy.
“When he was in West Ham’s Under-18s he hurt me a lot!” Wilshere said.
“They probably had the best youth team in the country and went on to lift the FA Youth Cup that year.
“When you come across a number nine in youth football that stands out like he did, you keep your eye on them and now, after a couple of loans, he comes with plenty of experience.”
Marshall arrives having scored 10 goals in all competitions during a season-long loan at Huddersfield Town, where he was named the League One club’s player of the year, before finishing last season on loan in the Bundesliga with Bochum.
Wilshere believes those experiences have prepared the striker for the next stage of his career.
“He’s had a look round Kenilworth Road and loved it,” he added. “I was the same as a player, it’s really important to understand your environment.
“Now he’s really feeling it and we’re looking forward to seeing him out there in a Luton shirt.”
Marshall becomes Luton’s latest summer signing as Wilshere continues to reshape his squad ahead of the new League One campaign, with Sunday’s home pre-season against Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles a possible for chance for Marshall to meet the Hatters fans.
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