Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu has signed for League One side Cambridge United after the end of his history-making 11-year spell at Luton Town.
The 31-year-old midfielder, who became the first player to climb from non-league to the Premier League with the same club – pipping the U’s to the Conference title in 2014 – has put pen to paper on a two-year deal at the Cledara Abbey Stadium.
A cult figure at Kenilworth Road, Mpanzu made 412 appearances for the Hatters after initially joining on loan from West Ham in 2013. That deal was made permanent the following summer, and he went on to play a key role in four promotions that took Luton from the Conference to the top flight.
Mpanzu featured 27 times in the Premier League during the 2022/23 season and became a symbol of the club’s meteoric rise under managers John Still, Nathan Jones and Rob Edwards.
Speaking after sealing the move to Cambridge, Mpanzu told the United website: “I am delighted to join the club. Cambridge called me about two weeks ago, came down to see me, told me about the project they are trying to build here and I wanted to make sure it was the right move for my career.
“I am ready to get going. It’s new to me – a different feeling, different people, different views and a different opportunity. I am glad I am here at Cambridge and I can’t wait to play my football here.”
Mpanzu leaves Luton as one of the most iconic players in the club’s modern history, with his name etched in the record books and his influence still resonating with fans.
