Luton Town have agreed a fee with Charlton Athletic for the permanent transfer of defender Reece Burke, who departs Kenilworth Road after four years as a Hatter.

The 28-year-old arrived from Hull City on a free transfer in the summer of 2021, having helped the Tigers to promotion from League One in the previous season.

The former West Ham youngster would go on to help the Hatters reach the play-offs in his first season, scoring twice in 32 appearances, both goals coming in the FA Cup against Cambridge and Chelsea.

The following year he completed a personal return to the Premier League with an outstanding performance as an early substitute in the Wembley final win over Coventry, after scoring two memorable goals – against Blackburn and the winner on New Year’s Day at Huddersfield (pictured below) – in 25 appearances under Nathan Jones and Rob Edwards.

Burke went onto make 22 appearances in the top-flight, plus four in cup competitions, before becoming the Club’s latest centurion in the penultimate game of last season, the 1-0 win over Coventry.

He departs the Kenny with four goals in 101 matches to his name, and the thanks and best wishes of all Hatters for the role he played in our rise to the Premier League.

Manager Matt Bloomfield said: “Burkey is another who has been a cornerstone of the club’s success in recent years, and it was so disappointing that we couldn’t have him fit to play more games for us last season as I’m sure he would have had a real influence for us.

“He has a great personality and is a lad of real character; someone I think a lot of despite only working with him for a short period of time. Understandably he wants to compete at the highest possible level and he leaves with our best wishes for future success.”

Thank you and good luck, Burkey!