Junior Luamba pens new contract with Salford City

Salford City’s Junior Luamba has signed a new deal after his breakout season with the club.

The 20-year-old made his debut in a 3-1 loss to Stockport County in the EFL Trophy, providing an assist for Marcus Dackers. He has made 16 appearances across the season, with 3 assists and a solitatry goal.

Luamba has signed a contract extension and will stay at The Peninsula Stadium until at least June 2026, adding an extra two years to his stay in Salford.

The number 54 joined the club in September 2023 from Oldham Athletic, playing for the Salford City B team. Numerous injuries to the first team saw Luamba train more regularly with the current squad, and gain minutes in League Two matches.

A stoppage time brace from Ethan Smith completed a stunning 4-2 comeback win for Salford City B away at @OfficialBWFC in the Central League 💪

Junior Luamba and Djavan Pedro were also amongst the goals 🎯

— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) December 12, 2023

Speaking to the club following the announcement, he said: “I’m really buzzing with the new deal, I think as of late since the manager’s come in he’s given me a lot of confidence, and he’s given me the platform to perform.

“Looking back at the last six or seven months it’s been crazy how quickly things have gone from obviously signing for the B-Team, being promoted to the first team, and getting my opportunity. I think it’s put me in good stead, I’m really happy with how things are going.

“When a manager has that much faith in you it spurs you on to do good things and I think my performances have shown how confident I am and how great I’m feeling. It’s down to me to keep it going, all the games in the past are gone now, my mentality is improving each day and showing everyone what I can do.”

Junior claimed his first Ammies goal in the club’s 5-1 defeat away to Mansfield Town, making a superb run from the halfway line to score past Christy Pym.

Reminiscing about that moment, Luamba added: “Every time I get the ball in that wide position the Gaffer tells me to think positive, get at my man and when Elliot played a great ball to me, I just thought ‘be positive, run at the defender’.

“And when I got in front of goal it’s having that millisecond to compose myself because I done all the hard work, it’s just hitting the target and I was just happy that it went in!

“I’d like to think it’s a good first goal, and many more to come.

.@JuniorLuamba1's first goal for The Ammies 🎯#MSFSAL || @loveholidays pic.twitter.com/Xo1MpbwKvJ

— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) February 25, 2024

Head Coach Karl Robinson was pleased with the new deal, commenting: “I’m excited, thrilled. He’s a lad from the area, we got him from Oldham. Since that moment he stepped on that pitch he’s someone I’ve just looked at and gone wow, he already has Championship capabilities.

“What needs to come along are numbers; assists and goals. He’s a consistent threat, he probably could have three goals in the time I’ve been here with one or two assists as well. He’s somebody that’s developing, he’s adding numbers to power and pace, he has that in abundance.”