Luton have signed Cardiff City centre-half Mark McGuinness in a deal understood to be in the region of an initial £6million, though the fee, which will have add-ons, is officially undisclosed.
Subject to international clearance, it ends a summer pursuit for the 23-year-old and one that boss Rob Edwards say “shows our intent” as Town bid to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
An Arsenal graduate, McGuiness has spent three in the Bluebirds’ backline and will now add to Luton’s options at the back after eight months of injury woes, with Mads Andersen and Reece Burke still to return this season, while Amari’i Bell started for the first time and Tom Lockyer has returned to continue his rehabilitation from a cardiac arrest.
He was also Luton’s second signing of the day after they announced a deal for former Swansea midfield free agent Liam Walsh.
Speaking of his 6ft 4in new recruit, Edwards told the club’s website: “He’s a big, big player for us – and a signing which shows our intent.
“He might be only 23 but he’s a leader. We see him as a big influence in the dressing room and on the pitch.
“He’s had a great upbringing, played lots of games, and is a threat in both boxes. He wants to defend but he can play, too.
“Last year it showed that we needed bodies in defence, but now, with Amari’i Bell back and Reece Burke and Mads Andersen resuming training, we’re starting to look really strong in that area.
“Mark believes we’re the right club for the next step in his career. He wants to play in the Premier League and he sees us as the opportunity to do that, so this further highlights how strong of an acquisition he is for the football club.”
McGuinness had his first session at The Brache with Tom Lockyer and he told LTFC+: “I’m excited to be here. It’s been nice to see the boys today and get a feel of the camp.
“It was great to be involved, and straight in with the main man and the skipper – who better to go out and get introduced to than Tom?”
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