Joining the Hatters are a trio with experience of coming through the ranks at Premier League clubs, with ex-Watford winger Dion Pereira, Crystal Palace wideman TQ Addy and former West Bromwich Albion attacking midfielder Jack Chambers signing as free agents.
Pereira is a 21-year-old winger who made two Premier League appearances for Watford and won their young player of the year award for 2016-17, before moving to the United States in 2019 to join MLS side Atlanta United, meaning his signing is subject to international clearance.
“I’ve had a bit of experience in the Premier League and a whole season in a first-team environment out in America, but this is definitely a chance for me to kick-start my career back in England,” said Dion.
“Going to America was a great experience and it’s something that not too many youngsters get nowadays, so it’s been a benefit to me, and I know what’s needed at this high level.
“The set-up of this club sounds amazing. Obviously the Under-23s set-up is only starting this year, with a view to next season being in the league, but the pathway to the first team is there as long as you do the hard work. That’s what I intend to do.”
Addy is another wideman who was offered a first professional contract by Palace this summer having featured regularly for the Eagles’ U23 side last term, but has opted to move away from Selhurst Park to further his career.
The 18-year-old, who had been in Palace’s academy since joining from Fulham at the age of 11, said: “I came in a couple of weeks ago and played some matches, and it’s been really good. The coaches have been supportive, as have people around the club.
“There have been people high up who you wouldn’t expect to know your name, but they come to speak to you, so it gives you a bit of confidence coming in to hit the ground running, keep working hard and show what you’ve got.
“I’ve seen the results that the first team have been getting in recent years, I’ve seen the history around the club as I’ve been walking around the stadium, and it just seems like the right environment to be in.
“I’ve seen a few of the players who have come through here, like James Justin, and it shows that if you do well, they want the best for you. That’s all you can ask for from a club. I can’t wait to get going.”
Chambers, 20, is a Northern Ireland Under-19 international who moved over with his family from Banbridge, near Belfast, as a 16-year-old to sign for Albion.
The former Linfield youth player arrives at Kenilworth Road after being released by the Baggies at the end of last season, but has continued to train full-time with the Hawthorns club before playing in recent friendlies for the Hatters development squad.
Jack said: “I’ve come here on trial and played two games, got a couple of assists in those games, and I’ve hopefully impressed. I’m looking forward to playing more matches than I’ve been able to recently at West Brom.
“There is a lot more of a pathway here for me. It all seems really good and promising. Even having meetings with the Chief Executive, you don’t really get that a lot as younger players at other clubs. That tells you a lot about the club you’re coming into and I’m really excited to be here.”
We welcome all three boys to the club and wish them every success with the Town!
Both TQ and Jack will be in action for the development squad against Slough Town U23s tonight at Windsor FC, with spectators permitted it tickets are booked in advance. You can do so by clicking here or via the tweet below.
