Luton Town have added experience and athleticism to their back line with the signing of left-sided defender Cohen Bramall, who joins the Hatters as a free agent following his departure from Portsmouth this summer.
The 29-year-old, known for his pace and energy on the flank, becomes Matt Bloomfield’s ninth signing of the transfer window, hours before the start of their new League One campaign against AFC WImbledon at Kenilworth Road.
“Cohen’s been a real solid performer at this level and above for a number of years now,” Bloomfield told the club’s website. “He’s very athletic, extremely quick and has a great left foot. He’ll get up and down the flank and give us really good options in the wide left positions.
“We believe his profile and experience in this league will mean he’ll play an important role in the squad. It’s an area of the pitch we knew we had to look at and in Cohen we have someone whose experience and know-how of the level – and athletic profile – will provide a good addition to our group.”
Bramall, who can operate at both left-back and wing-back, will fill the role vacated by Alfie Doughty when he moved to Millwall earlier this week.
The new signing brings with him a remarkable career journey. After coming through the ranks in non-league football in the North West, the Crewe-raised full-back earned a high-profile move to Arsenal in 2017 following spells at clubs including Kidsgrove Athletic, Nantwich Town and Hednesford.
Though he didn’t feature in the Premier League for the Gunners, Bramall was a regular for the U23s and gained senior experience on loan at Birmingham City. From there, he went on to make over 50 appearances at Colchester United before impressing at Lincoln City and later at Championship side Rotherham United, where he played 81 times across two seasons.
After a brief spell at Portsmouth last season, where he featured nine times and played a role in keeping the South Coast club in the Championship, Bramall now arrives in Bedfordshire ready for the next chapter.
“As soon as I heard of the interest I wanted to come to Luton, so I’m glad to get it sorted in the end and I’m really looking forward to getting my season started,” said Bramall.
“I’ve missed out on pre-season with the squad, but I think I’ll adapt really quick. I’m a fit lad and my game is built around being athletic and just being an engine, so I’m not too worried about my fitness.
“Now it’s a question of meeting the boys – meeting the family here – getting my head down and kicking on.”
Luton fans will hope Bramall’s blend of Championship pedigree and electric pace will be just the boost needed on the left side as the Hatters look to push on in the new season.
