Grimsby sign Luton's Luker and Coventry striker Obikwu

Jayden Luker playing football for Luton TownImage source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Jayden Luker had a successful trial with Luton Town after scoring against them for ProDirect’s East London academy

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League Two side Grimsby Town have signed loan deals for midfielder Jayden Luker and striker Justin Obikwu from Championship clubs Luton Town and Coventry City respectively.

Luker, 19, joined the Hatters in 2022 and signed a contract extension in November 2023 after graduating from their academy.

Obikwu, 20, rejoins the Mariners from the Sky Blues until the end of the season following a loan spell last term when he made 14 appearances and scored three goals.

Luker featured as an unused substitute four times during Luton's Premier League campaign last season.

"He’s a terrific player," said, external Grimsby manager David Artell. "He can play as a wide forward or as an eight.

"He finds the pockets of space and he’s bright, so we’ve got to make sure we get him the ball so he can create and score."

Luker spent the second half of 2023-24 on loan at Woking in the National League scoring twice in 17 appearances.

He could make his English Football League debut when Grimsby host Bradford City on Saturday.

"It's the next chapter in my career and I can’t wait to get started," Luker said.

“I would say I’m a technical player. I like to drive at players, beat a man, create chances and hopefully score a lot of goals."

On Obikwu's return, Artell said the club had done "unbelievably well" to get the player back given his progress.

"He could have gone to four League One clubs, so the fact that he’s chosen us, ahead of them, is a real bonus," Artell said.

Obikwu's deal has not been completed in time for him to be available for the weekend.

Grimsby have three points from their first three league matches, winning their only home game so far with a late victory over Cheltenham Town on 17 August.