England youth international Teden Mengi has ended a long association with boyhood club Manchester United to sign for the Hatters for an undisclosed fee.
The 21-year-old centre-half arrives at Kenilworth Road to become Rob Edwards’ 11th new signing of the summer to increase options in defence.
Edwards said: “Teden is someone who we have been aware of for a long time – Richie Kyle’s worked with him at the FA in the England age groups.
“He’s a fantastic age and comes with great experience for a young player. He’s had an amazing education at Manchester United and he will help us in that outside centre-half position.
“He’s a fantastic athlete, he’s aggressive, excellent in one-v-ones and uses the ball well.
“But when we spoke to him, he made it clear how much he really wanted this and to be a success here.
“He’s got an excellent future, and we want his future to be here. There’s no quick pressure on him being the ‘main man’ straight way – but it’s great if he does, but there’s no getting away from the fact he is here to compete.”
In his first interview, Mengi said: “I’d been at Manchester United since I was six and been there all my life; I’ve seen people come and go and I was the last of my age group to leave. While it’s sad to leave United, it’s an exciting time.
“I just had to be real with myself and ask what’s going to be best for me. Stay and fight with United or go somewhere else and look for an opportunity. In the end I was honest with myself and took that option.
“Making Luton my home was a no brainer and taking on that challenge as I’ve never lived outside of Manchester is something I’m looking forward to.
“Even before they got promoted the team were doing well. I like the way they play and with five at the back I feel I could fit in very well. After speaking to the manager, I feel as though I’ve got a good chance of making an impression here."
The story so far
Manchester born, Teden joined United’s youth system at the age of seven and signed his first professional contract in 2019.
He made his bow for their Under-21s in the Football League Trophy, playing three times in 2019/20 and made his senior debut for the Red Devils in August 2020 as a substitute in a UEFA Europa League tie against LASK. Mengi was then an unused substitute in a number of UEFA Champions League and EFL Cup ties.
Teden’s first real taste of football came on loan at Derby in February 2021, where he made nine appearances under manager Wayne Rooney.
The following season he joined Birmingham on loan where he also featured nine times.
The highly-rated defender has also represented England at youth level, making appearances at under-15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 level.
Welcome to Kenilworth Road, Teden!
