Sonny Bradley expects a ‘a really difficult conversation’ between Luton and its out-of-contract players after the EFL announced the return date of June 20, meaning games will be played after some deals expire.
The centre back has another year to run on his spell at Kenilworth Road, but six players – Luke Berry, Danny Hylton, Callum McManaman, Glen Rea, Elliot Lee and Marek Stech – will see out their contracts on June 30.
Severance pay should see them paid until the end of July, and that could be one reason why the EFL have proposed a congested programme, which would see Town play their final nine Championship games in 28 days.
“Individually, when it comes to contracts, I’ll be honest, right now, I don’t know how it’s going to work.,” said captain Bradley.
“As players, contracts run out at the end of June. I think we are aware now that we’re going to be playing into July, so there’s going to be some conversations to be had between the EFL, the PFA and the clubs.
“I think clubs will possibly have the option over the players, if they want to possibly offer them short-term deals until the season ends, but I’m also well aware that is well within a footballer’s rights to walk away from a contract once it ends.
“So, it’s a really difficult conversation to have between clubs and players and hopefully the EFL can sanction something soon so the clubs can make their plans for the players they want to keep and players that will be moved on.”
“We don’t need to make any decisions on July players until June 23,” said Luton’s chief executive Gary Sweet, adding: “We have a view on what we’d like to do but ultimately this decision is going to be led by the manager now.
“It’s safe to say, clearly, that the transfer window isn’t going to be open between now and July, so first of all, it’s not easy for players to leave and find another club when they’re not allowed to do that but also it’s not easy for us to go and get another player.
“So, the ideal would be to keep the squad together through the end of the season, that’s the ideal position. We have a financial consideration on that of course and as players have now taken a (wage) deferral, we need to be really prudent with how we’re spending money in July on their behalf.”
