Luton have signed Leeds United right-back Cody Drameh on loan until the end of the season with the “potential” for a permanent deal at the end of it, according to Town boss Rob Edwards.
With James Bree transferring to Southampton, the Hatters have swooped to bring in the highly-rated youngster, who was wanted by a host of clubs but had previously worked with the Hatters boss in the England Under-20 and Under-18s.
Drameh had a successful 28-game loan at Cardiff last season but has only made one Premier League appearance this term, with his other five appearances coming in Leeds’ cup exploits.
The Yorkshire side still have high hopes for the defender, who they signed from the Fulham youth set-up in 2020, with manager Jesse Marsch saying he’ll monitor Drameh’s progress and assess his situation again in the summer, with his contract expiring in the summer of 2024.
Asked about the possibility that the 21-year-old could extend his stay at Luton beyond this season, Edwards today said: “There’s potential of that. Let’s not look too far down the line now. He’s with us and we’ll concentrate on that side at the moment, but there is a potential of that.”
Preston and Cardiff – who Drameh could make his Luton debut against on Tuesday – were also linked with the full-back, but asked if his previous relationship with Leeds starlet helped in securing his signature, Edwards said: “Potentially. We had a really good chat, a really good Zoom call and spoke about a few things. He was able to ask me some questions and we spoke about that time with England.
“We talked about his strengths and how he’d fit into our group and where we think we can still help him develop.
“That would’ve helped as well but it’s always good when you know a player from previous. There’s an element of trust there as well.”
But Edwards also praised Luton’s recruitment team for earmarking Drameh, saying: “It’s a credit to the recruitment team and everyone involved in it because I think there is good planning that goes on, a lot of hard work, a lot of time and meetings that go into preparation. It’s a team effort and we’re really pleased we’ve managed to get someone in of Cody’s quality.
“We’re really excited to get him in the building. He’s someone I’ve been aware of for a while. I actually worked with him when I was with the national team, with England.
“I’ve seen him in close quarters and seen his qualities. I’ve actually watched him progress over the last couple of years as well.
“He’s had a move up to Leeds, he’s played in the Premier League and had a brilliant loan, was very successful at Cardiff in the Championship, so yeah, we’re very excited to get him in the building.”
Speaking to iFollow Hatters, Drameh said: “It is a great time to be at the club. You guys are flying so I’m just hoping to add a bit of quality to that, help us all reach the same goal and for us to get in the play-offs is the ideal goal.”
