Former Reading defender Tom Holmes is searching for a new club after his contract with Luton Town was terminated by mutual consent.
The 26-year-old’s departure was confirmed by Luton following discussions between the player and the club, bringing an end to a difficult two-and-a-half years since he left the Royals.
Holmes joined Luton in January 2024 at a time when Reading were battling serious financial problems and fighting for their future.
The move appeared to represent a major opportunity for the academy graduate, with Luton playing in the Premier League at the time.
However, Holmes immediately returned to Reading on loan for the remainder of the 2023/24 season, helping the Royals through the final months of their League One campaign.
After returning to Luton, the defender struggled to establish himself at Kenilworth Road despite them being relegated to the Championship
A loan spell in Belgium with Dender followed during the second half of the 2024/25 season, before Holmes joined Rotherham United on loan in September 2025.
His time with the Millers was disrupted after he suffered a knee injury shortly after making his debut, with his loan spell eventually coming to an early end.
Since leaving Reading, Holmes has been unable to find the stability that had made him a regular in the Royals’ first team.
The centre-back came through Reading’s academy, having joined the club as a youngster, and went on to make almost 100 senior appearances for his boyhood side.
He was also named vice-captain during his time at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and had appeared to be one of the key players around whom Reading could rebuild.
But with the club facing financial difficulties and restrictions on transfers, Holmes departed for Premier League Luton in January 2024.
His career has since taken him back to Reading, Belgium and Rotherham, but he has now been released by Luton and is available to join a new club as a free agent.
Luton confirmed that Holmes had left the club with their best wishes for the future.
