LONDON, CMC – Grenada international Shanon Baptiste has become newly relegated Luton Town’s first signing of the summer following his departure from Premier League side Brentford.
While not confirmed by Luton, the 26-year-old midfielder is expected to spend the next three years at Kenilworth Road, with the option of a further year.
“I feel like Luton is the right place for me,” said Baptiste, who made only 12 appearances for the Bees last season and scored one goal – ironically against Luton Town.
“Watching the club play last season, it was clear that something big was happening here, and I want to be a part of it.
“There are good players and a good manager here, so I’m hopeful we can do big things together.
“I’ve had a lot of injuries during my career, but I feel like I’ve passed that now, and hopefully, I can just look forward to doing great things in the Luton shirt.”
Baptiste spent four-and-a-half years at Brentford, helping West London gain promotion to the Premier League, where he played 55 games.
The five-foot, nine-inch midfielder, who made the last of his three appearances for Grenada almost six years ago, made nearly 70 appearances for Brentford overall.
“We’re excited to get Shandon in. I know I always say this about our players, but he’s a great person,” said manager Rob Edwards.
“I’ve had a few chats with him, and he was really keen on joining us. It wasn’t a hard sell for me. I think he’s seen what we’re about from the outside and wanted to join and help us.
“He’s such a talented footballer. He’s someone who can take the ball. He can drive past people. I think he’s an exciting player and technically very good, so we’re looking forward to getting him into the group.
“He’s at a good age, wants to get back to the Premier League, and ticks many boxes. He’s got a lot of experience, but he’s got something to prove, so he’s hungry.”
He continued: “I’m delighted. It’s a perfect bit of business by the club, and that’s what we pride ourselves on, trying to be clever in the market.
“We bring in good people, good players, and there was a lot of interest in Shandon, but he wanted to come to Luton, and we’ve beaten a few clubs to him, which is very exciting.”
Luton Town suffered relegation in their first season in the top flight after finishing third from bottom on 26 points and will campaign in the Championship in the forthcoming season.
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