Jack Wilshere has confirmed Luton Town remain engaged in discussions about bringing Manchester City winger Emilio Lawrence back to Kenilworth Road on loan, underlining the club’s priority to reinforce its attacking options ahead of the League One season.
Wilshere: Lawrence would ‘benefit’ from a return
Lawrence, a 20-year-old Scotland Under-21 international, spent the second half of last season at Luton, where he made 21 appearances, scored two goals and supplied five assists. He returned to City in the summer and was omitted from Manchester City’s 28-man pre-season squad travelling to Asia—an omission that Wilshere says has kept the possibility of a loan move alive.
“Everyone knows what I think of Emilio, and for him, first of all his development last year, it was clear for everyone to see. I think he would benefit from coming back, I know we would benefit from him coming back as well, but at the moment he’s a Man City player, he’s working there in pre-season.”
Wilshere reiterated that adding a left-winger and a striker are among his transfer priorities. The manager confirmed recruitment work is ongoing, and acknowledged that Lawrence’s time training at City—he suggested the player could be into “week five” of pre-season with the Premier League club—could influence the decision-making process.
What Lawrence offered last season
During his loan spell, Lawrence played a notable role in key fixtures, including scoring in Luton's victory in the Vertu Motors Trophy final against Stockport County. His direct contributions were:
- Appearances: 21
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 5
The statistics underline the attacking impetus he brought to the side from the left flank and why Wilshere is keen to explore a reunion.
Transfer context and squad building
Luton have already trialled alternatives to address the striking position: Wilshere referenced West Ham forward Callum Marshall filling the number nine role in a recent pre-season fixture. But the manager has been clear a wide option remains a distinct need.
| Area of concern | Wilshere's stated priority |
|---|---|
| Left wing | High |
| Striker | High |
Wilshere said he has maintained contact with Lawrence and described their relationship as good, but acknowledged any move depends on Manchester City’s plans for the player. He also indicated the decision point may be approaching for Lawrence, with City running their own pre-season programme.
For supporters, a return of Lawrence would represent continuity from a spell that ended on a high note and could arrive as part of a targeted recruitment push by the Hatters as they prepare to contest League One football this season.
