Luton's Townsend joins Antalyaspor after transfer limbo

Townsend has 13 England caps

Andros Townsend has completed a move to Antalyaspor from Luton Town after the Turkish club's transfer registration embargo was lifted.

The 33-year-old winger signed a contract with Antalyaspor in August but Fifa had banned the Super Lig club from registering players.

That meant Townsend was able to train with his new team-mates but could not play or be officially announced as an Antalyaspor player.

Townsend said last month he felt he was in limbo, saying "I don't know who owns me".

He added that it had been a "crazy couple of weeks" but that it was "the right move" and "something was telling me to make it happen".

An Antalyaspor source told BBC Sport the Super Lig club owed outstanding money to two former players and hoped to complete Townsend's transfer when the debts were paid.

Following the announcement of his official registration Townsend posted on his Instagram: "A new chapter, can't wait to get started."

The former Everton, Crystal Palace and Tottenham player signed a long-term deal with Luton in January after joining as a free agent in October 2023.

He made 31 appearances for the Hatters last season as they were relegated from the Premier League and was a late substitute in their first game of the Championship season against Burnley on 12 August.

Luton boss Rob Edwards said it is the "right fit" for Townsend "at this stage of his career".

"Andros' professionalism since he set foot inside The Brache [Luton's training round] has been exemplary – his discipline and attention to detail is something I hope has rubbed off on our young players," Edwards added.