Exclusive: Don Goodman drops claim on Thelo Aasgaard's Luton Town future | OneFootball

Aasgaard has been in fine form for the Hatters despite their relegation

Don Goodman wouldn't be surprised to see transfer interest swirl around Luton Town's January addition, Thelo Aasgaard, as his side prepare for life back in League One.

Aasgaard previously excelled for Wigan Athletic at third-tier level and, despite the Hatters' struggles in the first half of the Championship campaign, was enticed by the rebuilding project at Kenilworth Road as he was poached from the Brick Community Stadium for a reported fee of just £3m.

However, if he remains in Bedfordshire by the time the 2025/26 campaign gets off and running, the Norwegian international will be facing off against the likes of his former employers as Luton became the first team in eight years to suffer back-to-back relegations from the Premier League and into League One, having won the title in the division back in 2019 as part of their well-documented rise from the National League.

A 5-3 defeat at West Bromwich Albion on the final day ultimately sealed the fate of Matt Bloomfield and his side who, in the weeks leading up to the encounter, had done everything in their power to gain an advantage over Hull City and Plymouth Argyle in the relegation dogfight, with the 23-year-old at the core of a strong run of form.

Don Goodman wouldn't be surprised to see transfer interest in Luton Town's Thelo Aasgaard

At the time of his arrival, the length of Aasgaard's contract wasn't disclosed. But, given his already strong contribution to what ended up being a calamitous campaign for all associated with the club, Goodman believes that clubs will have taken such a factor into account, and that it would be natural for those of a Luton persuasion to fear a potential exodus when it comes to high-profile names on the books.

"I think all clubs that get relegated from any division would always fear losing their best players," the Sky Sports pundit exclusively told Football League World.

"It's been that way since the beginning of time and there's no doubt that Thelo Aasgaard has had a brilliant end to the season for Luton," he added.

"He was one of the main protagonists, dragging them, sort of, from being detached to having their fate in their own hands on the final day of the season (with) some brilliant performances.

"And, no doubt, there will be teams from higher up the chain looking at him. But, if you're Luton Town, I should imagine that, financially, you're not in a position where you have to sell him, and I would also think that he would have plenty of years left on his contract.

"So, a position of strength lies with the club," Goodman concluded.

Thelo Aasgaard may have big decision to make amid Stale Solbakken comments

The playmaker's last season-and-a-half's worth of games for the Latics proved just why he was touted for a return to the Championship or beyond in the winter, with an accumulation of 21 goal contributions in just 61 games in a youthful side, a very impressive record that also caught the eye of Nottingham Forest.

After coming into his own for Luton in the latter stages of the season, his national team and former Wolves boss, Stale Solbakken stating that his senior international career, which couldn't have started better with a goal and assist on debut against Moldova in March, is at risk if he features in League One next term.

"It was a calculated risk. Luton were in a difficult situation when Thelo changed clubs, but it goes without saying that it is difficult to play for the national team if you play in League One," Solbakken told Norwegian outlet, NTB.

“He knows this," the 57-year-old claimed.

However, as Goodman alluded to, the Hatters are in a strong financial position despite suffering back-to-back relegations, as they will still benefit from parachute payments, with it being reported that they will receive £39m heading into the second of their three-year spell garnering the solidarity payment income.

Therefore, the likes of Aasgaard, Alfie Doughty and Carlton Morris, among others, may be kept on as a result of less pressure to sell being placed on the hierarchy at present, although that could impact their current and future career prospects, especially in the case of the 23-year-old.