Tom Holmes joins Luton Town, remains on loan at Reading for season

Luton Town have signed 23-year-old centre-half Tom Holmes from League One side Reading for an undisclosed fee.

Despite the transfer, Holmes will continue to play for Reading on loan for the rest of the season.

A product of Reading's academy, Holmes has been with the Royals since he was eight and has made 129 appearances for the club, including 112 in the Championship.

His professional journey began with a Championship debut in 2018 at just 18 years old, and he also spent time on loan at KSV Roeselare in Belgium’s second tier.

Rob Edwards, Luton Town's manager, praised Holmes: “Tom’s a good young player who is very experienced already, even though he’s fairly young. We have been aware of him for quite a long time... He’s a proper defender, but is someone who can take the ball as well and we think he’s got a high ceiling for someone who is still young and still developing.”

Edwards also noted the decision to keep Holmes on loan at Reading.

“We are really looking forward to working with him... but we feel the right thing for him is to stay at Reading on loan for the rest of the season... Getting that game time there this season is still the right thing in his development, but he’s someone we see as having a long-term future at the club.”

Holmes expressed his enthusiasm about joining Luton Town.

“I’m very grateful for Luton’s continued interest in me... I’ve spoken to the manager and I’m excited to work together.”

He added, “My aim is to come back and hit the ground running and really impress... It’s quite a nice way for me to end my time [at Reading] and do something productive.”

Holmes also acknowledged the challenges faced this season and his eagerness for the opportunity ahead.

“It’s been tough this season with a lot going on off the pitch but hopefully it will be resolved sooner rather than later and we can continue with improved performances of late.”