Done deal: Wolves strike loan exit agreement with League One club for title-winning defender

The latest transfer news as Luton Town sign a defender and Wolves await a decision from a key player.

Luton Town have confirmed the loan capture of Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back Nigel Lonwijk for the duration of the 2025/26 season.

The Hatters, eager to stop the rot following two successive relegations, are making some shrewd additions to their squad. Not a single penny has been spent on transfer fees but Luton have managed to bring in five new permanent additions; impressive work in a congested market.

Lonwijk, who has signed a new one-year contract extension at Wolves, has become the sixth new face to come through the doors at Kenilworth Road this summer. The 22-year-old was announced this morning as part of a triple signing, along with Nakhi Wells from Bristol City and Hakeem Odoffin from Rotherham United.

All three players have joined up with the senior Luton squad in Slovenia, where the club is hosting their pre-season preparations. Lonwijk, albeit the only temporary addition of the six signed so far, will be just as dedicated to helping the Hatters in their efforts to rise back up to the Championship.

Lonwijk is predominantly a centre-half but can also play at full-back if required, offering some useful versatility for head coach Matt Bloomfield. He’s got great experience at Luton’s level, too, as he won the League One title with Plymouth Argyle back in 2022/23, while he also played in the English third tier with Huddersfield Town last campaign.

Does Lonwijk have a future at Wolves?

Although Lonwijk has just signed a new deal and it’s hoped he can succeed at Luton, it’s unlikely the former Netherlands Under-16 international will ever break through at Wolves. The Suriname native, who stands at 6ft 5in, is yet to make a senior appearance for Wanderers.

Lonwijk’s new contract takes him to the end of his Luton loan, so a final decision on his future will be made next June or July. Until then, the player’s full focus will be on succeeding with the Hatters and shifting closer to his full potential.

Wolves still waiting for Semedo decision

In other Wolves news, the club is still yet to find out a final decision from Nelson Semedo. The right-back, the Old Gold’s captain since December, has been offered a generous new four-year deal that’s been on the table for weeks now, but he’s yet to put pen to paper.

As it stands, it seems more likely that Semedo will leave than stay as there’s widespread interest across Europe, including from Turkey, Spain and his homeland, Portugal. It’s understood that Semedo has filmed a farewell video on the Molineux pitch in preparation for a potential departure, but nothing is final at this moment.

It would be a significant blow for Wolves if Semedo were to leave as he’s not only a key leader in the dressing room, but also one of the most established right-backs in the Premier League. Recently a UEFA Nations League winner with Portugal for a second time, the 31-year-old is heading towards the end of his prime years and may not have many more opportunities to leave for a bigger club.