By Bhora Afrika
Despite being offered a massive deal by an unnamed Saudi Pro League club in January, Warriors holding midfielder Marvelous Nakamba turned down the ‘irresistible’ offer and chose to sign for Luton Town, Bhorafrika.com has learnt.
Nakamba joined the then Championship side Luton Town on a six months loan deal from English Premier League side Aston Villa on deadline day of the January transfer window.
This was after the former Bantu Rovers player had fallen out of favour at Villa.
Villa head coach Unai Emery who took over from Steven Gerrard, openly told the Hwange born to look for a new club.
At that moment, a number of clubs that include West Bromwich Albion closely monitoring the situation, were keen to acquire the services of the 29-year-old.
This publications can reveal that apart from the English clubs as well as other European teams that were linked with the combative midfielder, there was also a ‘rich’ Saudi club vying for his signature.
Albeit, Nakamba had already made up his mind that he was heading to the Kenilworth Road to join Rob Edward’s men on a short stint loan deal.
A source close to the player, confirmed the Villa man who is now closing in on a deal to join Luton Town permanently, declined the offer to the Middle East.
“Yes, it’s true that a club from the Saudi Arabian Pro League wanted to sign the boy (Nakamba) in January when Aston Villa had told him to look for a club, but he said he is not interested in the offer.
“Even though he was facing a difficult moment in his career (falling down the pecking order at Villa) he clearly told us he wanted to remain in England and chose Luton following a mutual agreement.”
The source also confirmed the former Club Brugge player is urging closer to making a return to Luton Town, but this time on a permanent deal.
“The Luton Town move is almost a done deal. Everything has been agreed on, what is only left now is for the boy to put pen to paper to join a club he seems to be showing love to play for.”
The source also revealed the deal is being delayed by Villa who are ‘eager’ “to cash in” on the Zimbabwean international who has one-year left on his contract with the Claret and Blue.
Luton Town are keen to sign Nakamba, who became a fan favourite after his brilliant performances.
Nakamba is regarded as Luton Town FC’s ‘hero’ after playing an integral part in helping the outfit secure a historic top flight league promotion since 1992.