Former England international Carlton Palmer suggests that Luton Town might have to part ways with Alfie Doughty if a bid exceeding £15 million lands on their table before the transfer window shuts.

Recent reports, shared by Alan Nixon via his Patreon account, indicate that the Hatters have slapped a £15 million price tag on the 24-year-old, catching the eye of several Premier League clubs impressed by his displays in the English top flight last season. Doughty has been a standout performer for Luton in their first two Championship fixtures against Burnley and Portsmouth, but the looming closure of the transfer window adds an air of uncertainty regarding his future. Manager Rob Edwards is keen on retaining him, given his vital role in Luton’s bid to secure a prompt return to the Premier League.

Luton has endured a shaky start to the season, managing just one point from two matches. Nonetheless, with a long season ahead comprising 44 games, there exists ample opportunity for a revival.

Palmer, a former Premier League player turned pundit, opines that financial considerations may prompt Luton to cash in on Doughty if the right offer materializes this summer. Speaking to Football League World, Palmer remarked on the significance of retaining top talent for a strong promotion push. Despite Luton’s aspirations to secure automatic promotion and the player’s desire to feature in the Premier League, financial pragmatism could override sentiment. Should a bid surpassing £15 million land on Luton’s doorstep, the necessity to balance the financial scales might force their hand in selling Doughty.

While Luton’s primary focus remains on retaining their star player for a successful Premier League return bid, the allure of a substantial transfer offer could prompt Doughty’s departure. Losing Doughty at this juncture of the transfer window would undoubtedly present Luton Town with a significant setback.

Suffering the departure of a talent as exceptional as Doughty would be a severe setback under any circumstances, but with less than two weeks left in the transfer window, the timing couldn’t be worse for the team.

This puts Luton in a tight spot, leaving them with limited time to secure a suitable replacement. The options ahead don’t seem promising—they might rush into a hasty purchase or worse, opt not to replace him at all, significantly impairing their shot at promotion.

Doughty’s standout performances in the past season have naturally attracted interest from other clubs. However, Luton seems adamant about retaining him, setting a hefty £15 million price tag. While every player has a value, an irresistible offer could prompt his departure, though the clock is ticking, making such a move increasingly unlikely.

The season hasn’t commenced on a smooth note for Kenilworth Road, and parting ways with Doughty now would compound their challenges, potentially sparking discontent among the fans.

For Luton to mount a serious promotion bid this season, Doughty’s contribution will be pivotal. Losing him at this critical juncture would deal a severe blow to their aspirations of swiftly returning to the elite ranks of the league.