Luton Town have announced the permanent signing of Kasey Palmer with boss Jack Wilshere saying that the transfer was his biggest priority after securing the futures of Jordan Clark and Liam Walsh, describing the midfielder as the player capable of producing “magic moments”.
Palmer has completed his return to Kenilworth Road following his influential loan spell from Hull City, during which he scored eight goals in a ten-game League One spell and helped the Hatters win the Vertu Trophy at Wembley.
The move continues what has already been an impressive summer of business for Wilshere, following new contracts for Clark and Walsh and the arrivals of George Johnston.
Speaking after Palmer’s signing was confirmed alongside the unveiling of a new white away kit, the Luton boss admitted the club had made no secret of their desire to bring him back.
“They say never fall in love with a loan player,” Wilshere told the club’s website, adding: “but Kasey knew exactly what we all felt about him and how much we wanted him back as a permanent Luton Town player.
“Along with Jordan Clark and Liam Walsh’s new contracts, this signing was my priority for the summer.”
Palmer transformed Luton’s attack after arriving in January, helping spark an unbeaten 11-match finish to the League One season that ultimately fell just one point short of the play-offs.
Wilshere believes the former Chelsea academy graduate became central to everything his side did well.
“Kasey was integral to how we played in the second half of the season and the run we went on, winning at Wembley and getting so close to the play-offs,” he said.
“He’s someone who produces magic moments and gets people off their seats, but for all his experience he also knows that he can still learn and improve himself.”
The Town boss also believes supporters will be thrilled to see Palmer back in orange after weeks of speculation fuelled by the player’s own social media activity.
“I know this is going to excite the fans, who love Kasey as much as we all do,” Wilshere added.
“We’ve beaten a lot of clubs to get him and it’s important that he’s here for a full pre-season, so we can start as we mean to go on.
“We can’t wait to get going again in full flow from Monday and are all so glad to have him back.”
Palmer’s return is another statement of intent from Luton ahead of the new League One campaign.
After repeatedly stressing his desire to have the core of his squad assembled before pre-season got fully under way, Wilshere has now retained three of the players he identified as central to his rebuild, while also strengthening his defensive options.
With Palmer now back permanently, the manager has secured arguably the biggest signing supporters had been hoping for all summer.
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