Luton Town remains in a position to offer ample opportunity for their prolific goal-scorer to vie for a spot in the first-team squad at Kenilworth Road in the upcoming season.
Joe Taylor, a 21-year-old dynamo, made significant impacts during his stints at Lincoln City and Colchester United last season. With 10 goals in 19 appearances for Lincoln in League One and 11 goals in 27 games for Colchester in League Two, Taylor showcased his prowess in finding the back of the net.
Having excelled in his loan spell with Lincoln City, where he netted nine goals in 13 matches after a slow start, Taylor has now emerged as a compelling option for Luton manager Rob Edwards as the team gears up for their Championship return post their Premier League debut.
Despite the formidable presence of strikers like Carlton Morris and Elijah Adebayo, Taylor’s impressive form presents a noteworthy selection dilemma for Edwards ahead of the new season.
Signed from Peterborough United in January 2023, Taylor was initially intended to contribute to Luton’s top-tier campaign. However, circumstances pushed him to seek more playing time elsewhere, and his loan spells saw him thrive with his pace and attacking prowess, causing constant trouble for opposing defenses.
Taylor’s abilities extend beyond goal-scoring, as highlighted by his defensive contributions and work rate on the pitch. Garnering both League One and EFL Young Player of the Month honors during his prolific spell at Lincoln City, Taylor’s potential as a key figure in Edwards’ Championship vision is unmistakable.
While Taylor’s goal-scoring proficiency makes him a coveted figure in the transfer market, Luton Town can opt to delay any decision on his future as they evaluate their roster for the upcoming campaign, knowing that his presence could prove pivotal in their season outcomes.
Elijah Adebayo is rumored to be considering a departure from Kenilworth Road, with reports linking him to Everton and Fenerbahçe due to his impressive 10 Premier League goals last season.
Should Taylor perform well in pre-season and the initial matches of the 2024/25 season, he could potentially carve a place for himself in Edwards’ plans, offering a different attacking dynamic possibly alongside the more seasoned Morris. Ideally, Luton would prefer not to lose their promising young talent to a competitor in the Championship, and may explore options in League One or even overseas to provide the Wales under-21 international with opportunities to develop.
The Hatters have until August 30th to make a decision, if necessary, although it is likely that numerous loan offers for Taylor will surface right up to the deadline.