Luton Town have confirmed their retained and released list following the end of the 2024/25 season – with long-serving midfielder Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu among the key departures.
The 31-year-old, who spent the second half of the season on loan at Rotherham United, leaves Kenilworth Road as one of the club’s most iconic figures, bringing an end to an extraordinary, history-making 11-and-a-half year spell, in which he became the only player ever to go from the non-league to the Premier League with the same club.
“The DR Congo international departs as a Luton Town legend for his role in our rise from non-league to the Premier League,” the club said. “Let the simple stats speak for themselves: the 31-year-old is the only man to win four promotions and play in five different divisions for the same club.”
Signed from West Ham as a teenager in 2013, Mpanzu went on to make over 412 appearances in a Luton shirt, scoring 23 goals and playing a central role in the Hatters’ historic climb up the divisions.
The Hatters have said that a full tribute to Mpanzu’s contribution will be made in due course, but they added: “Thank you, Pell!”
Also leaving the club this summer is Jamaica international Amari’i Bell, who departs after four years and 157 appearances in Luton colours. Last night, on his Instagram account he posted an apology to fans for Town’s relegation to League One.
Having arrived from Blackburn Rovers in 2021, Bell made an immediate impact with a match-winning goal at Barnsley in just his third game. He was a key figure in the Hatters’ transformation under Nathan Jones and Rob Edwards, and played a crucial role in the club’s 2023 promotion campaign.
Having transitioned from left-back to left-sided centre-half, Bell helped guide Luton to third place in the Championship and ultimately to victory in the play-off final at Wembley, where they beat Coventry City on penalties.
“Amari’i leaves the Hatters… with the thanks from everyone connected with Luton Town for the role he has played in our recent history,” the club statement said.
Goalkeepers Tim Krul and Jameson Horlick, along with winger Victor Moses, will also depart at the end of their contracts. Winger Josh Bowler will return to Nottingham Forest after his loan spell, while Kal Naismith returns to Bristol City, having spent the second half of the campaign back at Kenilworth Road. However, the use of the word “temporarily” in the club’s statement will raise hopes that the Scot will re-sign for Luton in the summer.
The club thanked all departing players “immensely for their contribution… and wish them well for their future careers.”
Meanwhile, Luton have activated one-year contract extensions for midfielder Liam Walsh and goalkeeper Jack Walton, who remains on loan at Dundee United until the end of the Scottish Premiership season.
Club captain Tom Lockyer, who is currently out of contract, will continue his rehabilitation at The Brache as he completes his return-to-football programme following ankle surgery.
Loan deals for Cauley Woodrow, Tom Holmes, Jayden Luker and Aribim Pepple will expire at the end of June, with all four set to return to Luton. The club have confirmed that Dion Pereira, however, will leave following the end of his loan.
All other senior players remain under contract for the 2025/26 season, with discussions ongoing with individuals regarding their futures.
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