Teenage defender 'hungry to succeed' after penning new contract with Luton

Teenage defender Christian Chigozie has declared he is ‘hungry to succeed’ after penning a new contract Kenilworth Road.

The 18-year-old centre half has been part of the Hatters’ academy since joining the U7s, and last season made his first team debut in the Carabao Cup tie against eventual Championship winners Coventry City. The former Chiltern Academy student was then on the bench for the League One trip to Burton Albion, also getting another 90 minutes in the 4-1 Vertu Trophy victory over Barnet.

He also featured for the U21s in their 1-0 Premier League Cup success over Exeter U21s, before a hamstring injury robbed him of playing again for the first time under new manager Jack Wilshere. Chigozie is highly regarded by the Hatters, having been on the bench three times in the Championship, and also twice when Town were in the Premier League, as aged 16, he was part of the subs for the games at Arsenal and Manchester City.

With news of his extended deal being announced this afternoon, Chigozie is looking to push on next term, as he told the club’s official website: “I’m so happy to sign a new deal with Luton Town. I was delighted because I was actually injured when I heard about the news, and I was very, very happy. I’ve been here for ages now and to get a new professional contract is amazing.

"I’ve had the best education possible from all of the coaches I’ve had in the academy, but I know there is still so much to learn. I’m definitely hungry to succeed, hungry to get my next deal, hungry to get out on the pitch, hungry to play, hungry to show that I deserve this new deal. I want appearances – I want a lot of appearances for this club. That’s my main goal and I’ll keep working so hard to get there.”

Discussing a player, who captained the U18s to an EFL Youth Alliance League and PDL Cup double in 2024-25, while now fully recovered, finished last term strongly with the U18s and U21s, boss Wilshere added: “We’re thrilled to secure Christian’s future with us. Christian has undeniable quality, but what stands out about him is his attitude. He is a leader, who I believe is going to have a top career.

“It is no surprise that Christian has enjoyed significant experience in and around the first team squad over the past couple of years, and that will stand him in very good stead going forward. Our academy has a fantastic reputation, and credit must go to everyone who has played a role in his development to this date.”