Luton Town backed to retain "very expensive" star this summer on one condition | OneFootball

FLW's Luton Town fan pundit discussed Alfie Doughty's future at Kenilworth Road

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Luton Town will be fearful of losing a whole host of prized assets should they suffer relegation to League One, as their fate hangs very much in the balance ahead of what promises to be a dramatic, nail-biting final afternoon of action across the Championship this Saturday.

It's not yet clear just what division the Hatters will be plying their trade in next term, although their survival ambitions have been handed a monumental boost by three successive victories over Derby County, Bristol City and most recently Coventry, leaving them one point and one place above Hull City in 22nd but with plenty of momentum heading into Saturday's clash away to a managerless West Bromwich Albion side with nothing to play for.

Admittedly, given the current form, one of either Hull or Preston North End appear more likely to be joining Cardiff City and Plymouth Argyle in League One next season. However, the fear of relegation remains and the outcome of Luton's season will dictate a number of futures at Kenilworth Road.

One player who will surely leave in the event of relegation to League One is Alfie Doughty. The left-sided wing-back has starred for the Hatters over the last three seasons, notably notching eight assists in the Premier League last time out, and has been impressive this term, although injuries have restricted him to just 26 league appearances.

Indeed, Luton may have some sort of concern over his future regardless of what happens on the final day. However, they have been backed to keep hold of the 25-year-old if they remain in the Championship.

Luton Town backed to retain Alfie Doughty this summer

FLW asked our resident Hatters fan pundit, Simon Mills, to name and explain one player he is desperate to avoid losing this summer.

Simon went with Doughty, who he believes is one of Matt Bloomfield's most important players for Luton. In Simon's view, Doughty would represent an expensive acquisition for any potential suitors and, having only signed a new "long-term" contract back in September, will likely remain at Kenilworth Road if the Hatters can keep hold of their second-tier status.

“I really don’t want to lose Alfie Doughty,” Simon told FLW.

“I’ve said it many times, whether that be on Twitter (now X) or with you guys.

“I think he is one of our most important players and when he is firing, we are a great team. The number of assists he has put up during his time at Luton Town speaks testimony to that.

“I think if someone were to come in for him, it would be very expensive. He has signed a new long-term deal, if we stay in the Championship I think we will retain him.”

Big money would be needed to get Alfie Doughty out of Luton Town

While the length of Doughty's contract at Luton is officially undisclosed, they seemingly have no shortage of security over retaining his signature unless the price is right.

The ex-Charlton Athletic and Stoke City man is also estimated by Capology to be earning a weekly wage of £27,500, and would likely expect a pay rise by joining another side, meaning he would not come cheap under any circumstances.

His performances, meanwhile, which have been mightily-impressive both in the Championship and even at Premier League level, would surely prompt Luton to set a significant asking price.