George Saville explains why he’s signed for League One Luton over Championship offers

George Saville explains why he’s signed for Luton – who was relegated to League One – over offers from Championship clubs.

The 32-year-old Northern Ireland international midfielder, will join Luton Town as their second summer signing when his Millwall contract expires in June 2025.

Saville, who played nearly every game for Millwall in the 2024/25 Championship season, chose Luton over other Championship offers due to his belief in the club’s vision.

Manager Matt Bloomfield praised Saville’s experience, tactical intelligence, and leadership as a defensive midfielder.

Saville’s career began at Chelsea’s academy, with notable spells at Millwall, Brentford, Wolves, and Middlesbrough, amassing nearly 500 senior appearances.

He aims to help Luton recover from recent challenges and build a successful season.

Go behind the scenes for George Saville’s first day 📸 pic.twitter.com/kcgpBEeG67

— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) June 11, 2025

CLUB STATEMENT:

Experienced Championship midfielder George Saville will be the Hatters’ second signing of the summer when his contract expires with Millwall at the end of June.

The current Northern Ireland international, who turned 32 last week, has agreed to join the Town after playing a key role in the Lions’ past four seasons in the second tier.

Last term, George featured in all but one of Millwall’s games in the Championship as they finished just two points off the play-offs.

Manager Matt Bloomfield said to the club’s media: “We’re really pleased to sign George not just because of the experience and quality he’ll bring, but because he’s really enthused about the challenge that lies ahead.

“He’s chosen us over some Championship offers which shows his belief in our club, and that’s the type of character we’re after.

“A tactically astute defensive midfielder and a player who can influence those around him, we’re hoping George can help us with his leadership and ability to knit the game together in the middle of the pitch.

“He’s going to be an important component of the squad as we start to mould the group for what we need next season, and I’m extremely happy to have got this first piece of important business over the line already.”

In his first interview, Saville said: “When I first heard it was an option it was something I was really interested in, and after a few conversations it became a no brainer.

“It’s been a tough couple of years for the club but this is now a chance to correct that. Speaking with the manager, and what he wants to do, there’s a chance to build something, create a good atmosphere and have a good season.

“I had offers in the Championship but since the first conversation with the manager it was clear-cut, it fits what I want and it’s an opportunity to achieve something.”

Saville began his career in the academy at Chelsea but it was during a loan spell at Millwall where the midfielder got his first taste of senior experience in 2012/13.

A loan spell at Brentford in 2013/14 followed. He scored three times in 44 games in all competitions in his first full season and helped the Bees win promotion from League One as runners-up.

That form at Griffin Park caught the eye of Wolves, and it was to Molineux that Saville moved on a permanent deal in the summer of 2014.

The midfielder re-joined Millwall on loan in 2015 but broke into the Wolves team on a regular basis in the second half of the 2015/16 campaign, scoring five times in 19 games in the second tier.

After falling out of favour at Wolves it was back to The Den for George in 2017. He hit the ground running, scoring 10 times in 44 games in the Championship in 2017/18 as Millwall finished just outside the play-offs.

Again, his form alerted the attention of other clubs, and the following campaign he made a move to Middlesbrough in 2018/19.

He went on to become a regular for the following three seasons on Teesside, making over 100 appearances and scoring 12 times.

But in 2021/22 Saville made his way back to Millwall where he spent the last four seasons in the middle of the Lions’ midfield.

Now, as he nears 500 senior appearances, he will arrive at Kenilworth Road to become our second arrival ahead of the new campaign.

Welcome to Kenilworth Road, George!

Here’s how fans reacted as George Saville explains why he’s signed for League One Luton over Championship offers…

@LewisT_Williams: Fantastic. Saville had the opportunity to stay at Millwall but decided to drop down to help us win promotion. Smart man. Experienced, good at the dark arts & another leader in the team. We lacked them last year. Defensive minded, great at set-pieces. I like this transfer! #LTFC

@SSE_LTFC: That’s really a top addition for League One football, excellent couple of days

@MattAquino_: A 33- and 32-year-old through the door. Not super exciting on the face of it, BUT the timing is key. Two massively experienced players, both leaders, who can put standards in place for the squad from the off and set the tone for pre-season and beyond.

@prishungry: Without Locks, we’ve had no leaders or organiser’s on the pitch, not expecting 40+ games from either of them but a blend of experience and young talent would be ideal. I expect a few out for decent fees over the next few weeks, need to invest that money wisely.

@danlukeashby: I’m a lot more excited about the Saville signing. Naismith I’m not convinced fits a 4ATB system if Bloomfield changes. I would like to see a FB in next that’s our weakest area currently in our squad.

@w1spa_1: Quality signing. Get in 💪🧡🎩

@OhWhenTheTown: 2 cracking signings in a couple of days 🙌 Welcome George! #LTFC

@AlfieKuy: Love to know our transfer strategy. Because another poor transfer window and a shaky start to the season and I can see us being down there come end of the season. Luton and Huddersfield for example aren’t our promotion rivals no more they are streets ahead.

@Buntingfootball: League One level is where I feel he is at right now. That’s a solid addition for the level. Will have more than enough quality for the division.

@LutonsTactico: About time we had someone fill the Lansbury spot left in the squad.

@danlukeashby: Really happy with Luton signing George Saville. Experienced player at championship level. Will help give us bite in CM which at times we lacked. 32 years old but was involved in 49 games last season. 2 signings in 2 days 😯 #LTFC #COYH

@DCopey98: Luton getting Naismith & Saville on free is shrewd business for League 1. Both capable of still playing in the Championship, both experienced characters and will offer Luton a lot in League 1. Cardiff should be looking at 1 or 2 of these type of signings in my opinion

@robmoss1989: Love Nakamba but time to get his wages off this books now Saville is here