Luton Town have added to their defensive ranks ahead of the new season with the signing of Dutch centre-half Nigel Lonwijk on a season-long loan from Premier League side Wolves, with an obligation to buy if certain conditions are met.
Part of a triple signing with Nahki Wells and Hakeem Odoffin, the 22-year-old arrives at Kenilworth Road with League One title-winning experience and a growing reputation, having previously played under Matt Bloomfield at Wycombe during the latter stages of the 2023/24 campaign.
The Hatters boss told the club’s website: “We had Nige for a few months at the end of season before last at Wycombe and he was fantastic for us. I tried to get him back last summer but we didn’t have as much money as Huddersfield at that point, so I couldn’t get him, but he’s someone who we think highly of.
“He’s had a bit of a stop-start season last year and he’s not quite hit the heights that we all believe he can get to, but he’s got a really high ceiling and is another great lad. He’s got good versatility and can play anywhere in the back four or back five, and has incredible athleticism, he’s really good on the ball and we’re really pleased to give him a home.”
Standing at 6ft 5in, Lonwijk brings physicality, composure and versatility to the back line. He played 13 times under Bloomfield at Wycombe, scoring twice as the Chairboys ended the season strongly with eight wins in their final run of games.
The Dutchman, who started his career at PSV Eindhoven before joining Wolves’ academy in 2020, already boasts an impressive CV. His first senior experience came in the Eredivisie with Fortuna Sittard before a standout season with Plymouth in 2022/23, where he featured 41 times and helped the Pilgrims clinch the League One title and reach the EFL Trophy final.
A spell in Switzerland with Grasshopper followed but was cut short, allowing him to finish last season in England and link back up with Bloomfield.
Last term, Lonwijk was part of Huddersfield Town’s push for a play-off spot in League One, making 26 appearances before a hamstring injury sidelined him in March.
His arrival provides Luton with added depth and quality at the heart of defence as Bloomfield continues to shape his squad for a promotion challenge.
Lonwijk now looks set to play a key role under a manager who already knows how to get the best from him – and Hatters fans will be hoping he can replicate the form that helped fire Plymouth to the top of League One just two seasons ago.
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