Andros Townsend is on the verge of a move to Turkish side Antalyaspor with Luton boss Rob Edwards saying it’s a move that may help prolong the former England international’s career – though there could still be a snag in the deal.
The 33-year-old signed for the Hatters last summer after an 11th hour snub from Burnley, but spent the second half the Premier League season largely as a substitute.
That continued in the Championship where he was brought on late in Luton’s 4-1 opening night defeat to the Clarets on Monday.
Townsend had been linked with the move earlier in the summer and it is understood from reports in Turkey that he has now completed a medical, but a review is underway from the Turkish authorities due to an indefinite transfer ban imposed on the club earlier this year. It was reported at the time that the ban would not be lifted until the club settled their debts, reported as being in the region of $2million.
Journalist Reşat Can Özbudak with Turkish media outlet Sports Digitale tweeted: “Andros Townsend passed the health checks and is currently in Antalya. Antalyaspor has applied for the player’s license. The TFF is reviewing the process due to the penalty imposed on Antalyasport.”
The same writer has also tweeted that former Hatter Fred Onyedinma is heading to Turkey too, posting on the social media platform: “Amedspor reached an agreement with Fred Onyedinma.”
“It looks like it’s in the process now of going through,” said Edwards of the Townsend deal, adding: ” “There are one or two little bumps in the road. I don’t know all the details.
“Look, it’s a move that suits both. Andros has an opportunity now to maybe prolong his career. You know what the intensity of this league is like – 46 games. And Andros is brilliant.
“He’s been really honest with himself and how he feels he could help us, going forwards. I’ve got nothing but admiration for him and thanks for him for what he’s done while he’s been at the club.
“And once it all goes through of course, we wish him well. But it’s probably a nice little fit for both parties.
“The Championship is tough. And the way he’s managing his body, it’s the right thing for him.”
Edwards added: “Andros wants to play football, but I couldn’t guarantee the time that he would probably want. With the intensity of this game and how we play, the number of games in the Championship as well, it’s probably a good fit for him to get something elsewhere.
“It was almost a real two-way conversation, and we came to the same point between the two of us. That was how the conversation went and how the decision was made. It was very mutual.”
Asked if it will mean Luton will increase the number of players they’re looking to sign in the transfer window, Edwards said: “We’ll see. We want to be able to move if we can and continue to try to improve. If that means we can get another one in, if they help us and we have the space, and it works, then, yeah, I think so.
“If that person is not going to help us or improve us then we won’t be filling the squad with numbers just for the sake of it. They’ve got to be the right ones, but of course, it gives us another number in that squad.”
