Nottingham Forest released Baba Fernandes at the end of the 2021/22 campaign and on Friday he played for Luton Town.
The centre-back left the City Ground after failing to earn himself a new deal, despite playing in the Carabao Cup last season.
The Guinea-Bissau defender had been on Trentside for two years but was unable to force himself into the senior reckoning on a regular basis.
Fernandes played for 45 minutes of Friday’s curtain-raiser for Luton away at non-league outfit Hitchin Town.
Nathan Jones has offered to run the rule over the youngster and he threw him in for the opening 45 minutes.
Fernandes, 22, is likely to be a player that Hatters first-team coach Chris Cohen is familiar with.
He spent time playing under the ex-Forest favourite when he was the manager of the Reds’ under-23 ranks.
It will be interesting to see just how long Jones chooses to look at Fernandes and it will be interesting to see if he earns a deal.
The former academy starlet made two appearances last season. They came against Bradford and Wolves in the Carabao Cup and did reasonably well.
Fernandes was also a large part of the under-23 success last season. He made 14 appearances under Andy Reid and it was anticipated he might get a new deal.
Ultimately, Forest’s success robbed him of a more prominent role and it’s perhaps no surprise that the club didn’t stand in his way of a departure.
Fernandes released by Forest but Luton move could work
The Hatters aren’t blessed with a massive budget and they might view Fernandes as a relative shrewd signing.
He wouldn’t cost a penny and he could provide decent backup for Luton’s senior ranks.
Fernandes brings the ball out from the back well and he’s also capable of playing alongside one other centre-back, or two.
Cohen is likely to have orchestrated this trial period. He will have convinced Jones to take a look at perhaps he will get the whole pre-season to try and win a deal.
The centre-back could get another chance to shine on Friday when Luton face Slovenian team NK Bravo.
Fernandes didn’t get a proper chance with Forest but he could be a useful signing for Luton in the Championship.