Carlton Palmer has expressed concerns over the potential departure of Elijah Adebayo from Luton Town during the January transfer window, with Everton eyeing up the striker as a key target. Adebayo, who played a significant role for the Hatters in their brief Premier League stint last season, is now attracting interest from the top-flight club as they seek to bolster their attacking options.
Despite Adebayo’s consistent performances alongside Carlton Morris in the forward line, Luton faced relegation back to the Championship at the end of the previous campaign. Following their relegation, it was no surprise that Premier League clubs came knocking for Luton’s standout performers, with players like Ross Barkley and Chiedoze Ogbene securing moves to Aston Villa and Ipswich Town respectively.
Earlier in the summer, Adebayo was already on the radar of Sean Dyche’s Burnley, but a transfer deal failed to materialize. Now, recent reports suggest that Everton’s interest in Adebayo has reignited, especially with the potential departure of Dominic Calvert-Lewin looming on the horizon. Dyche is reportedly eyeing Adebayo as a replacement should Calvert-Lewin depart, with the striker valued by Luton in the range of £15-20m.
Speaking exclusively to FLW, Palmer underlined Adebayo’s qualities and how he could fit well within the Everton setup, further hinting at the blow it would be for Luton’s promotion aspirations if they were to lose their key goal scorer. With Everton and Luton both experiencing a rocky start to their respective league campaigns, the potential departure of Adebayo could significantly impact the fortunes of both clubs moving forward.
“Everton has already lined up a successor in Luton Town’s Elijah Adebayo,” as shared by the pundit.
“The 26-year-old registered 27 showings last season, netting 10 goals while his team faced relegation.”
“Sean Dyche eyes Adebayo for his prowess, believing that with opportunities created, the striker can convert them. His physique and skill set make him an attractive prospect for around £15-20 million,” Palmer remarked.
“Four matches in, Adebayo is yet to find the net in the Championship, coinciding with Luton’s shaky start. Despite my prediction of their rise, I see them competing strongly later this season,” Palmer expressed.
“However, losing Adebayo would be a significant setback,” the former England player lamented. “Luton currently sits second from the bottom with three losses and a draw after four games.”
“Although they have one point, teams in the playoff places only hold seven to eight points. Luton has the potential to rise,” Palmer concluded. “It would be a loss to see Adebayo depart. Having scored 10 Premier League goals, he could possibly double that in the Championship. While he hasn’t scored yet, Everton eyes him as their next key player post-Calvert-Lewin’s departure.”
Essential to Luton Town’s transformation is Elijah Adebayo
Despite Luton’s slow start this season, players like Morris and Adebayo are crucial for any incline in the standings, especially after their joint 28-goal performance in the promotion-winning season two years back.
Transitioning from the Premier League, Adebayo’s career might take newer heights after joining Luton for a mere £250,000 in January 2021, highlighted by his stellar hat-trick against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Sean Dyche’s hallmark is a physical attack led by Calvert-Lewin, who has struggled with injuries and scored only 12 goals in the last three seasons. Adebayo needs to focus on Luton in the short term to secure a move before January, especially with Everton and Calvert-Lewin facing contract issues. Losing Adebayo would hurt Luton, but reinvesting the profit in a quality striker is crucial.