Luton Town have confirmed that Wales Euro 2020 star Joe Morrell has joined League One Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee.
Morrell, 24, signed for the Hatters from Bristol City in October last year for £250,000. He made his debut in the home defeat against Stoke two days later, but only made a further 10 appearances as he found it hard to break into the Town team.
He last featured in a competition game in February when he was given the hook at half time against Sheffield Wednesday, with Town 2-0 down at home. They subsequently went on to secure a 3-2 comeback victory and Morrell was frozen out of the side.
The midfielder played more times for Wales than he did Luton last season and he went into this summer’s international European Championship tournament saying he wanted his club situation resolved and that it was something he was addressing. He did not feature in the matchday squad for Saturday’s 3-0 Championship win over Peterborough, amid interest from Pompey and reportedly late interest from Ipswich Town.
Morrell will now reunite with his former Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley, whom he worked under in a loan spell during the 2019-20 season.
Cowley said: “Joe will bring a really infectious energy and enthusiasm to our team.
“He’s the type of boy that’s always the first to get the footballs out in training and as a coach, he’s the kind of person you look forward to seeing in the morning.
“We first signed him on loan from Bristol City when we were at Lincoln and he transformed our team.
“That was his breakthrough season in League One and it allowed him to be called up into the Wales senior team.
“It was great to watch him in the Euros over the summer and he’s a really talented player, who will offer calmness on the ball.
“He’s willing to pick the ball up anywhere on the pitch and is always so brave because there’s trust in his own ability.
“Joe brings with him a real tenacity against the ball and although he’s small, he’s spiky. I think the supporters will enjoy watching him.”
Absolutely glos! We will never know if we will miss him unfortunately as he didn’t get a fair crack of the whip. I’m sure if Cowley shows faith in him he’ll return it in spades.
Good luck Joe
Good luck, Joe. Sounds as if your new manager really rates you. Let’s leave it at that!
Absolutely Glos. shame we won’t ever know if we’ll miss him. But I hope Cowley shows faith. I suspect Joe will shine if so.