Hatters academy graduate Joe Johnson’s continued impressive development has been rewarded with a long-term contract extension.
The 18-year-old, who has made five senior appearances under Rob Edwards – including his full debut this season, has been a regular in the Town’s matchday squad in the Premier League this term.
A delighted Johnson told lutontown.co.uk: “I’m buzzing, this is such a great club, with great people, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for me.
“The aim is to be not only a Premier League footballer, but hopefully one day a Champions League player. One day I’d like to start my a Premier League match and then who knows where I’ll go.
“The manager has also been so supportive. I’ve never met a manager who’s so nice and he very good at controlling the squad. I think we've got a group of players who are all willing to die for the manager because of how much they care about the club and they care about what we’re doing because we all believe and we’re all chipping in.”
Edwards added: “We feel this is the right place for him. We’re really, really pleased with the progress he has made over the past couple of years.
“Joe has a really balanced view of life, he’s got the right attitude and a steely focus, belief and confidence – all of these attributes you need to succeed at the top level.
“He’s made a few appearances and been a regular in the matchday squad and we know he’s desperate to make his Premier League debut but it’s only a matter of time.
“We have high hopes for him – and we don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on him – but Joe has a big future, and big future at Luton Town.
“He knows he needs to work hard and knuckle down but we’re pleased to get him tied down because he deserves it.”
Born in Barnet, the left-sided defender began his career at Arsenal academy when he was six years old. After being released by the Gunners four years later, he joined grass-roots club Focus Football before joining the Hatters in 2020.
Having scored in the win against Birmingham City at St Andrews in the FA Youth Cup Third Round in December 2022, the then first-year scholar was named on the bench for the first-team in the FA Cup fourth round replay at Grimsby Town in February 2023.
After signing his first professional contract in March 2023, Johnson made his senior debut as a substitute in the Championship win over Middlesbrough the following month, aged 17 years and 62 days.
His first start came in the Carabao Cup at Exeter City on 26th September, and was swiftly followed by a call-up to the England Under-18 squad in early October, making his debut playing 64 minutes of a 1-1 draw with Belgium in a friendly ahead of the Under-18 World Cup in Indonesia, where he played in the victory over Iran.
