Luton Town have announced the signing of central defender Teden Mengi from Manchester United.
The 21-year-old came through the youth system at Old Trafford, representing the various age groups before progressing to first-team level, debuting for the club in August 2020.
Mengi has only made two senior appearances for the 20-time English champions, though, spending time out on loan with Derby County and Birmingham City over the last few seasons.
Luton have now confirmed the defender's arrival for an undisclosed fee, and he has become the newly-promoted club's 11th signing of the summer market.
"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," Hatters head coach Rob Edwards told the club's official website.
Summer signing 11. 😎@TedenMengi | #COYH pic.twitter.com/gYNSL5pDQ9
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) August 31, 2023
"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."
Meanwhile, Mengi added: "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.
⛔ @TedenMengi pic.twitter.com/2UMnhq6xr9
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) August 31, 2023
"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."
Mengi is unlikely to be involved in Luton's Premier League clash with West Ham United on Friday evening but could potentially feature against Fulham after the international break.
Matt Law
