A Premier League winner has returned to English football by signing for Luton Town – almost six years after his last appearance for a UK-based club.
The 33-year-old spent the last four seasons in Russia at Spartak Moscow, having previously had loan spells with Inter Milan in Italy and Fenerbahce in Turkey.
Luton will become the 10th club he has played for during his senior career, which began at Crystal Palace and later saw him represent Wigan, Chelsea, Liverpool, Stoke and West Ham.
Discussing his latest new signing, Luton manager Rob Edwards told lutontown.co.uk on Tuesday: ‘He trained with us last week and played 60 minutes in a behind closed doors game, and we made a decision because we think he’s able to come in and help us.
‘He gives us more strength in depth and versatility, because he’s someone who can play both sides or as a No 10.’
Luton Town manager Rob Edwards is very pleased after signing a Premier League winner
The new Luton signing was part of Chelsea’s title-winning squad back in the 2016-17 season
Luton’s new No 7 has previously called Stamford Bridge and Anfield home but he will now be based at the 12,000-capacity Kenilworth Road
‘He’s played for so many different clubs in different ways and shapes, and under different managers, so he’s tactically aware. We think he’s someone who can provide some really good competition for us.
‘I don’t want to put too much pressure on him and expect too much too soon. He’s not going to come in and start the games straight away. He’s got to get used to what we do and how we play, but he’s fit, he’s able to come in and affect it now, and he definitely makes the squad stronger.’
The player is, of course, Victor Moses – who had been available as a free agent after leaving Spartak at the end of last season.
Moses won the Russian Cup in 2022. That was the sixth major trophy of his career.
He lifted the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 2013, before winning the Europa League with Chelsea later that year.
Moses then featured in 34 of Chelsea’s 38 Premier League games in their title-winning campaign of 2016-17 under manager Antonio Conte.
He helped Chelsea win the FA Cup in the following season.
Victor Moses pictured posing in Luton’s home shirt after joining the club on a free transfer
Moses had spent the last four seasons in the Russian Premier League with Spartak Moscow
Moses played his final two games for Chelsea in October 2018 before joining Fenerbahce midway through the season. Both of those appearances came in the Europa League, which the Blues went on to win again following his departure.
Luton boss Edwards believes that the experience gained by Moses over the course of his career can be a valuable asset at Kenilworth Road.
Edwards added: ‘He’s someone who we can learn from as well. He’s won a Premier League title under Antonio Conte playing in a similar sort of role to what we ask some of our lads to do, so we’ll be able to pick his brains.
‘He’s had a fantastic career, been there and done it. He’s got an amazing CV. But alongside that he’s a really good lad, a quiet, unassuming, down to earth person.
‘What tells you about his humility is that he’s been willing to come in, basically on trial with us, to show how hungry he is to play for Luton Town. We are really excited about working with him.’
Moses, who will wear the No 7 squad number when he makes his Luton debut, said: ‘I’m looking forward to it.
Moses has won six major trophies during his senior career, including one Premier League title
Moses made 128 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions and he scored 18 goals
‘I had a few offers from Europe, but I said to my agent that I set my mind on staying over here, and here we are. I’m very pleased and honoured to be at this club and I just can’t wait to get going.
‘I spoke to Rob before I came, I spoke to the directors and they told me the plan and the history of the club, and I just want to be part of the success.
‘I want to come here and enjoy my football, work hard for the club and for the team, and get back to where we belong in the Premier League.’