Luton Town should be open to cashing in on out of sorts striker | OneFootball

Elijah Adebayo is a player who Luton Town should look at moving on this January.

Luton Town's season has been a picture of disappointment, with the Hatters persistently struggling to pick up wins.

After 26 games, they have accumulated only 25 points and conceded 44 goals along the way.

Currently, they are on a run of four defeats and this has seen pressure mount on Rob Edwards' shoulders. Just 18 months ago, he helped Luton secure promotion to the Premier League with a similar side, and they gave a good account of themselves in the top tier despite relegation.

Back in the Championship, it hasn't worked out for numerous reasons, but while much of the blame may be pinned on the defence, it's important not to overlook just how ineffective Luton's attackers have been in front of goal.

Elijah Adebayo, in particular, has struggled and that has to come as a surprise, given how influential he was in the division above.

Elijah Adebayo's 2024-25 struggles

The 2023-24 season was a real breakthrough for Adebayo as he netted 10 goals in 27 Premier League games. He achieved this from an expected total of 6.71, suggesting the striker had finally found his clinical edge at the age of 26.

However, this strong work has been offset by a dreadful opening 26 games this campaign with the Luton number 11 missing numerous opportunities.

While credit has to be given for getting in good spaces, the Englishman has found the back of the net on just five occasions.

This figure becomes even more concerning when examining the underlying data. With an expected goal tally of 10.5, Adebayo has missed 22 big chances - eight more than any other player in the division, emphasising the extent of his struggles in front of goal.

This has even seen him replaced by Zack Nelson in recent games, with the 19-year-old staking a place for himself after providing an assist against Queens Park Rangers on Monday night.

In truth, it may be time for Adebayo to move on from Luton, and a fresh start elsewhere this January could prove to be the right decision for both him and the club as they look to reshape their attacking options.

Luton should authorise an Adebayo sale

Purchased for a reported £250,000 from Walsall in 2021, Adebayo has been a brilliant servant for the club, but at 27 years old, now is the right time to cash in.

During the summer, he was strongly linked with a move to Sean Dyche's Everton, with The Sun reporting that the Hatters had valued him between £15-20 million.

It's hard to see them getting that sort of offer now but a significant one should be considered by the Hatters.

Despite his shortcomings, it is plausible that Everton will retain their keenness as the Toffees' options of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Youseff Chermiti, and Beto just haven't cut it this season.

A tall, commanding striker of Adebayo's ilk would likely be on Dyche's wishlist and, having netted ten in the Premier League last year, they may be willing to look past this campaign.

If Everton or another club do arrive with a suitable offer, the Luton hierarchy should duly accept it. Not only does this allow them to make an addition elsewhere, but it may further Nelson's development alongside Carlton Morris, with the youngster only making four starts to this point.

Hatters fans would be sure to wish him well if he were to depart, but a new era up front has to be the priority now.