Cambridge sign ex-Luton midfielder Mpanzu

Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu was a Luton Town player for more than 11 years

Cambridge United have signed former Luton Town midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu on a two-year deal.

Mpanzu, 31, joins the U's following an 11-year spell at Kenilworth Road in which he played 412 times for the Hatters, including 27 games in the Premier League.

He was part of the Luton side who were promoted to the English top flight in 2023 and became the first player to go from non-league to the Premier League with the same club.

"Pelly is a tremendous signing for our football club and he brings a wealth of experience," Cambridge boss Neil Harris told the club website.

"He is a serial promotion winner from his early days of starting in non-league football, all the way through to winning promotion to the Premier League."

DR Congo international Mpanzu played 10 games in the Championship for Luton last season before being loaned out to League One club Rotherham United for the second half of the campaign, making 18 appearances for the Millers.

"I am ready to get going, - it's new to me, a different feeling, different people, different views and a different opportunity," Mpanzu told the club website.

"I am glad I am at Cambridge and I can't wait to play my football here."

Cambridge, relegated from the third tier last season, begin their League Two campaign at home to Cheltenham Town on Saturday, 2 August (15:00 BST).