The goals, the skills and the smiles of Elijah Adebayo will continue to entertain Hatters fans for the foreseeable future as we can announce the striker has signed a contract extension with the Club.
The 25-year-old has not only become a fans’ favourite since joining from Walsall in January 2021 but has been an integral part of the first team squad as 32 goals in 109 appearances testifies.
It did not take the frontman long to win the hearts of Hatters fans with a goal on his full Championship debut against Millwall and in his first full season in Town colours he hit 17 goals in all competitions as we reached the play-off semi-finals.
As for last season: 10 goals and countless assists – including an outstanding one underneath the Wembley arch – ensures his role in our promotion to the top-flight will long in the memory.
A delighted Adebayo told lutontown.co.uk in Slovenia: “It’s wonderful to sign any contract but especially here because since I’ve come in I’ve enjoyed my time here. There’s a unique set of lads in the changing room that – along with the people around the club and the fans – makes it a no brainer.
“Since I joined it’s been a whirlwind. When I first signed I remember saying I was here for the ride, the rollercoaster, and to just enjoy it – it’s been that and then some. The last couple of months have been fantastic and those are the moments why we want to be in the job.”
In committing his future to life at Kenilworth Road, Adebayo follows in the footsteps of several team-mates who have extended terms following promotion to the Premier League.
And Town boss Rob Edwards is delighted to add the striker to a list which also includes Luke Berry, Amari’i Bell, Carlton Morris, Cauley Woodrow, Reece Burke, Tom Lockyer and Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu.
“We are really pleased for Eli to commit,” said Edwards. “It’s a fantastic re-signing. Since we arrived, he played in almost every league game and his work-rate was so consistent.
“We were really pleased to get that period in November where we built up a good relationship with Eli. He gave us that trust, he gave us everything.
“Sheffield United really stands out for me. He had a brilliant assist, and people remember that, but his work-rate, he just ran for 94, 95, 96 minutes after we took Carlton off.
“He had a spell where he scored in five or six games in a row at one stage, so it was great that he scored. But he contributed with so many important moments, and obviously the assist in the final.”
Adebayo’s personal rise is much quicker than the Hatters’, with the striker having stepped up from playing League Two football as recently as January 2021.
The manager continued: “His rise has been really quick. He’s got loads of growth in him, and again, he’s another person who is in a really good environment to do that. There is going to be more competition this year in that position. We know we’ve gone to a level that’s the hardest in the world.
“So it’s going to be a big, big ask of him, but we believe in him – and he will keep improving, there is no doubt about that. He looks really hungry since he returned. We love him here and I know the supporters do as well.
“I know he scored loads of goals the year before, and not as many last year. But his all-round contribution, especially when we came in, was immense and I know that will continue in the Premier League.”
