Luton Town Eyeing Cardiff City Defender Mark McGuinness, £10m Valuation Set
Luton Town aim to pry away the McGuinness from Cardiff City. A big value has been slapped on the defender.
Luton Town are interested in acquiring Cardiff City center-back Mark McGuinness, who Cardiff City values at over £10 million, according to WalesOnline.
McGuinness, who joined Cardiff from Arsenal under former manager Mick McCarthy, was described as a "damn good signing" by McCarthy at the time. He said, "Whatever people are thinking about my reign and me, that is a damn good signing. He will be a really good player for the club and I hope he is one to drive the club forward. If not, I think he will be worth a hell of a lot of money in some time to come."
The Cardiff City management believes the 23-year-old defender is worth a significant fee, with club sources stating they would demand an eight-figure sum to part ways with him. Last year, McGuinness signed a four-year contract, keeping him with Cardiff until at least 2027.
Cardiff considers McGuinness a top-class Championship center-half with tremendous potential. Many players in his position typically reach their peak around age 28, indicating McGuinness still has significant growth ahead of him.
Whether Luton Town or other interested clubs will meet Cardiff's valuation remains uncertain, but Cardiff feels they are in a strong position and do not need to sell. Acquired from Arsenal in 2021 for a nominal fee, Cardiff could see a substantial profit if McGuinness is sold, having never sold a player for more than £10 million. McGuinness has made 85 appearances for Cardiff and had a successful loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday, scoring five goals in total. He missed the recent 2-0 pre-season win over Bristol Rovers due to a minor injury, according to manager Erol Bulut.
Despite being relegated from the Premier League last year, Luton Town are in a robust financial position, but yet to unleash the warchest which may allow a significant offer to be made. The Hatters are looking to strengthen their defence after the departures of Dan Potts and Gabriel Osho, as well as injuries to Mads Andersen, Amari’i Bell and Reece Burke. However, it’s very likely that Luton will initially test Cardiff's resolve with an offer below the club's valuation.
Cardiff has also shown interest in Scotland international Scott McKenna, who is currently a free agent after leaving Nottingham Forest, he could be the replacement for McGuinness. However, several clubs, including La Liga's UD Las Palmas, appear to be leading the race to sign him. Hull City, Celtic, and Rangers have also been linked to McKenna in recent weeks.
Cardiff apparently asking for £10 million, which seems a bit steep considering they allowed him to go out on a long loan to Sheff Wed only 2 years ago!
Leaving it late to bring in quality players.Has been obvious defensively Luton have struggled plus they are in desperate need of at least one creative midfielder.