Bristol City have completed the signing of experienced forward Elijah Adebayo on a two-year deal. The 28-year-old arrives as a free agent after his contract with Luton Town expired, becoming the Robins' tenth new addition of the transfer window as they look to improve on a start that sees them 19th in the Championship with one point from two games.
Adebayo had been on trial with the club over the summer before agreeing terms this week. Manager Michael Skubala and sporting director James Ellis have moved to add competition to a frontline that has scored two goals in the league so far this season, but has also conceded four.
Elijah Adebayo brings significant Championship and Premier League pedigree to Ashton Gate. He joined Luton Town from Walsall in February 2021 and went on to make 184 appearances for the Hatters, scoring 47 goals. His most notable contribution was helping Luton achieve promotion to the Premier League in the summer of 2023. Adebayo started the Championship play-off final against Coventry City, setting up a goal for Jordan Clark in a 1-1 draw that Luton won on penalties.
In the following top-flight campaign, he scored ten Premier League goals, including a hat-trick against Brighton & Hove Albion. Despite Luton's relegation, his top-level experience is seen as a major asset. "He has a huge amount of experience and he gives us a different dimension," said sporting director James Ellis.
Adebayo's final seasons at Kenilworth Road were hampered by injury. He suffered a serious knee problem during a 1-1 draw with Leeds United in April 2025, which kept him out for almost a year. He made his return in a 2 1 win at Wycombe Wanderers, but later sustained a hamstring injury in a match against Exeter City that ruled him out for the rest of the campaign. With his contract expiring, new Luton chief Jack Wilshere opted not to offer him a new deal, making him a free agent this summer.
The signing addresses a clear need for more firepower and physical presence in City's attack. Adebayo is expected to compete directly for a starting role, offering a target man option that differs from other forwards in the squad. His arrival comes at a critical time, with the transfer window closing the following week and the team seeking a first win.
The immediate focus shifts to integrating Adebayo ahead of a busy period. His first chance to feature could come quickly, with City's next fixture a home match against 10th-placed Portsmouth on 29 August. The Robins are currently five points behind early leaders Millwall, so points are needed to climb the standings. Adebayo himself is eager to contribute, stating, "I can’t wait to get started. The place has a feel-good factor and it has been easy for me to settle in." The club will hope his goals can help turn their early form around, starting with the upcoming run of games listed on our fixtures page.
