Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba joins Luton Town

Premier League newcomers Luton Town have announced the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba on a permanent transfer.

Having joined for an undisclosed fee, the 29-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Hatters, which will see him remain at Kenilworth Road until 2026.

Nakamba spent the second half of last season in the Championship with Luton and left a lasting impression on the club faithful. 

The Zimbabwean international midfielder made 20 appearances across all competitions and played a prominent role in the club’s promotion-winning campaign. 

He also converted his penalty in the play-off final shootout victory over Coventry City that helped Rob Edwards’ side make history as the first Bedfordshire-based team to compete in the Premier League.

Nakamba becomes the fourth acquisition for Town during the Premier League transfer window following the arrivals of Chiedozie Ogbene, Mads Andersen and Tahith Chong.

“I’m very excited to be back home at Luton to continue the journey,” said Nakamba.

“When I joined on loan, I felt love from everyone – the manager, the board, the staff, the players and the fans. 

“I was welcomed as part of the family, and that pushed me to give everything for this club and help achieve the goal we had last season, which we did.

“Over the summer, the manager has been saying, ‘You need to be here!’, and I’m so happy, so excited to now be back and ready for the season.”

Edwards added: “We – the supporters, the board, the staff and the players – all fell in love with Marv for what he gave us. Not just his work ethic, but his humility.

“It’s a huge statement for the club going forward. To bring in a player of his quality on a permanent transfer speaks volumes of where this football club is going, how ambitious we are and where we intend to go.”