Town to face Saudi King's Cup runners-up out in Spain

Luton Town will face Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Kholood in a pre-season friendly in Spain next month.

The Hatters have moved away from their usual warm-weather training camp in Slovenia to fly out to Murcia instead, as they will go to a venue regularly used by a number of Premier League clubs on Sunday, July 19. Jack Wilshere’s team will then end their time abroad by taking on their Al-Hazem Stadium opponents, who are managed by former Oxford United boss Des Buckingham and finished 14th in the division last year, also reaching the final of the Saudi King's Cup, losing 2-1 to a league runners-up Al Hilal side containing former French star Karim Benzema.

The game against the side who possess ex-Blackburn Rovers midfielder John Buckley in their squad, along with prolific forward Myziane Maolida and Saudi Arabian international Hattan Bahebri, will take place at the Pinatar Arena, with kick-off at 11am (10am BST), ticket details for supporters wanting to attend to be released by the Hatters in due course.

A club statement said: “This completes Jack Wilshere's squad's public match schedule in preparation for the 2026/27 campaign, with local trips to Hitchin Town on Saturday 11th July and Barnet before they head off to Murcia on Sunday 19th July.

"Following their return on Sunday 26th July, a behind-closed-doors friendly will be played before Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles visit Kenilworth Road for a 1pm kick-off on Sunday 2nd August. The following weekend sees the EFL season start with the Carabao Cup first round, with the opening Sky Bet League One fixtures to be played on the weekend of 14-16th August.”

Discussing the move away from Slovenia to Spain, Wilshere himself added: “I’m really excited about that because I know the club has been to Slovenia for the past seven years and had some really good experiences, but I made it clear to the club it's a good idea that we make a change there. Speaking to the players as well, and the leadership group, Kal (Naismith) and Nahki (Wells), all those guys, about pre-season and their experience and we wanted to freshen it up, go to a different environment, play against a different type of opposition.

"We can start to work on things that are going to help us in the season, but also to build the unity and togetherness in the group, because that was one of the biggest strengths this season in my opinion. When we went through the tough times, that togetherness, that unity that everyone showed and we're going to need that again next year.”