Football League World
·5 May 2024
Football League World
·5 May 2024
Carlton Palmer believes that QPR would be a ‘better fit’ for Luton Town’s Luke Berry as they battle Watford to sign the midfielder.
The 31-year-old joined the Hatters in 2017, when they were a League Two side, so it has been quite the journey at Kenilworth Road for Berry.
He was an influential figure as they won promotion to League One in his first season, and he featured in 21 games as they made it back-to-back promotions 12 months later.
Berry would continue to play his part over the years, and he scored a penalty in the play-off final shootout victory over Coventry City at Wembley that sent the club to the Premier League.
He has continued to feature for Rob Edwards this season, making 15 appearances and scoring two goals as Luton battle to stay in the top-flight against all odds.
However, with his deal at the club expiring in the summer, there are doubts about his future, and it has been claimed that QPR and Watford are interested in Berry.
Even if Luton are relegated, the chance for a fresh start may appeal, particularly if he wants more game time at this stage of his career.
Given his contract situation, Berry is in a position where he can decide his next move, and it would be interesting to see the reaction if he did move to Vicarage Road given the Hornets’ rivalry with Luton.
Many clubs in the Championship aren’t in a position where they can just splash the cash, so it’s about identifying bargains and picking up free agents.
And, speaking to FLW, ex-England international Palmer explained that he feels Berry falls into that category, as he believes whoever did land the experienced midfielder would be making a shrewd addition to their squad.
“Berry will feel that he needs to go and play more football, and clubs looking at him will see that he has got promotion, so he has a good history at this level.
“But, given his age, Luton may look to move him on. It would be a very smart move for either QPR or Watford, as he’s a very, very experienced performer and he would help any side.
“Given the way that Luton play, I would think that QPR would be a better fit than Watford. But, with Cleverley in charge now at Vicarage Road, having that experience in the dressing room could help the young manager.
“Whoever gets his signature, I think it would be a very, very good signing.”
You would expect that nothing is imminent with Berry in terms of making a decision. In fact, it’s probably something that he isn’t even concentrating on right now, as his only focus will be on trying to keep Luton in the Premier League.
He will then have talks with the club in the summer, and he will need to know what Luton’s plans are for him.
So, talks are going to take place when the season ends, and Berry is going to have a big decision to make on his next move.