We have strengthened our recruitment department by appointing Yousuf Sajjad as player recruitment manager.
Yousuf brings further expertise to an already experienced team, working alongside head of scouting operations, Phil Chapple, head of recruitment analysis, Jay Socik, and, of course, Mick Harford.
Yousuf has most recently been working in the Netherlands with Eerste Divisie club Den Bosch, where he spent almost 18 months as technical director.
Having started as an Arsenal community coach before scouting voluntarily for Brentford and Reading whilst still a teenager, Yousuf joined Chelsea in 2014, progressing from the Blues’ academy to become lead recruitment analyst in his five years at Stamford Bridge.
In 2019, he returned to Arsenal, where in three-and-a-half years as head of emerging talent, he helped recruit players mainly aged between 17 and 20, while working closely with the Gunners’ loans manager to oversee young prospects gaining experience with other clubs.
He already has a close connection to the current Town squad having been responsible for Reuell Walters’ acquisition for Arsenal when he left Tottenham at the age of 15.
Yousuf said: “I’ve known Gary Sweet for a few years before I went to Holland, and having returned to this country with my young family remaining over here while I was at Den Bosch, it was so exciting to be invited to work for this great club which is renowned for its excellent identification of talent.
“My role is to assist in the recruitment process and help the Club’s ambition to continue to get better and better players into Luton Town over the longer term, building on the foundations that are already in place.
“To be able to work with people as experienced as Mick, Phil and Jay and hopefully bring something extra to their team is a real privilege, and one I’m looking forward to.”
Further additions to the Hatters’ backroom staff during the international break include set-piece analyst Finley Taylor, who joins from Norwich City.
Also joining is masseur James Bartle, who will work alongside therapist Darren Cook and the medical team.
Welcome to Luton Town, Yousuf, Finley and James!