EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists (outside the EU), club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images (+15 in extra time). No use to emulate moving images. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications/services. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Michael Zemanek/BPI/Shutterstock (10357450a) Luton Town corner flag - general view Luton Town v Ipswich Town, EFL Carabao Cup, First Round, Football, Kenilworth Road, UK - 13 Aug 2019
Tomas said: “I’m quite gutted that we’re losing Mark McGuinness, but when a big bid like that comes in for him you have to take the money
Luton have brought in a fourth summer signing this week with the addition of Irish defender Mark McGuinness. The 23-year-old central defender has joined the Hatters on a permanent deal from Cardiff City.
The former Arsenal academy man joined Cardiff in the summer of 2021 and made 35 appearances for the Bluebirds in his first season before being loaned out to Sheffield Wednesday for the 2022/23 season.
Since returning from his loan, the right-footed defender has featured 51 times for Cardiff, including 30 appearances in the Championship last season, scoring twice.
In his 30 Championship appearances last season, including 29 starts, McGuinness helped his Cardiff side to eight clean sheets and was a key player in defence, winning 68% of his aerial duels.
He averaged 4 clearances and 1.3 interceptions per game, whilst only being dribbled past 0.8 times per game across the 30 appearances he made.
The 23-year-old is a competent passer of the ball and averaged 39.4 (85%) accurate passes per game, creating one big chance.
In his 30 Championship appearances last season, including 29 starts, McGuinness helped his Cardiff side to eight clean sheets and was a key player in defence, winning 68% of his aerial duels.
He averaged 4 clearances and 1.3 interceptions per game, whilst only being dribbled past 0.8 times per game across the 30 appearances he made.
The 23-year-old is a competent passer of the ball and averaged 39.4 (85%) accurate passes per game, creating one big chance.
Cardiff City fan, Tomas Taylor has bittersweet feelings about the departure of the defender and felt he was future captain material in South Wales.
Tomas said: “I’m quite gutted that we’re losing Mark McGuinness, but when a big bid like that comes in for him you have to take the money.
“When he first came in I thought he would end up being Cardiff City captain one day, the maturity he has at such a young age is unbelievable. He’s an old school kind of centre half, and would be a fantastic asset to most teams in the league. If there’s a ball being floated into the box, you know he’ll be there to head it out or put his body on the line to block a shot. Granted he’s not the best on the ball, which is why I think he’s fallen out of favour a bit at Cardiff and why he lost his spot in the team, but I still think he’ll be a great signing for Luton.
