So, where was I before a bout of illness left me struggling to even get out of bed, let alone pen some articles?
Ah, that’s right it was Thursday evening and, after being teased so much by the Zimbabwe media, Marvelous Nakamba signing for Luton Town was finally announced by the Official Site.
The deal, after his performances last season, was the deal that the Hatters support had hoped most to get across the line.
Nakamba becomes the fourth player to join Luton Town with the defensive midfielder putting pen-to-paper on a 3-year deal.
As seems to be the norm these days, the fee paid for Marvelous hasn’t been disclosed with the term ‘undisclosed‘ once again being used.
But,searching through all the media smog, £4 million seems to be the figure favoured, which is value for money in my opinion.
After joining Luton Town, on loan from Aston Villa, in the January transfer window, I reckon his silky ball-winning skills were the difference between promotion being achieved and remaining in the EFL Championship, I rate him that highly.
Another factor relating to the signing being completed is that the Hatters will now benefit from obtaining a new army of support with Zimbabweans now set to follow his every move in the top-flight of English football.
After coping so admirably with the threat presented by the EFL Championship, let’s hope Marvelous can continue his fine form as the Hatters look to make an impact in the Premier League.
Welcome back Marvelous my son.
COYH’s
How Many PL Appearances Will Pelly Make This Season?
Bolton Close to Mendes Gomes Deal
Ian Evatt has confirmed Bolton are closing in on the signing of versatile forward Carlos Mendes Gomes from Luton Town.
Reports on Friday suggested Wanderers had agreed a deal in the region of £300,000 for the 24-year-old, who joined the Hatters in a £500,000 switch from Morecambe two years ago.
He played just 15 times during that time with Town, starting just twice in league competition, but impressed whilst on loan at Fleetwood Town last season – scoring nine goals in 37 appearances as Scott Brown’s side finished 13th in League One.
Speaking after Saturday’s pre-season victory over Salford City, Evatt was pushed for a response to speculation of Mendes Gomes’ imminent arrival at the Toughsheet Community Stadium and whilst he was confident of getting the transfer over the line, the manager admitted nothing has been signed just yet.
“The cat is out of the bag,” Evatt told The Bolton News. “Football and secrets don’t really go well together!
“As far as where we are right now, it is close. It is very close. But it is not done yet and what I’ve learned in this game is until it is absolutely done and finalised, not to count my chickens. We will not be doing any of that over the weekend.
“He is multi-functional, multi-dimensional. He can play wide, he can play up front, he can play as a No. 8 or No. 10.
“He brings the ability to dribble and drive past defenders, to receive centrally in tight spaces and create.
“I think that is something we haven’t had, so he adds lots of things. He is a player who I have admired for three years – ever since that season in League Two.
“It has now become achievable for us and hopefully we can get it finalised and over the line.”
