Charlton Athletic must evaluate the most recent financial events at Huddersfield Town when negotiating for Alfie May.
Huddersfield Town are apparently interested in Charlton Athletic striker Alfie May, who won the League One golden boot last season with 23 goals.
The forward joined The Valley from Cheltenham Town last summer, having scored at least 20 goals in all of his League One seasons with the Robins.
He maintained his goal-scoring form in SE7 this season, accounting for more over one-third of the Addicks’ League One goals. However, his future has recently been the subject of debate, with the Terriers showing interest.
Huddersfield are interested in May
After the club was relegated to League One last season, Michael Duff took over as manager. He has already signed wing-back Lasse Sorensen from Lincoln City, who was one of the finest in his position in the third division last season.
Duff formerly managed Cheltenham and worked alongside May when the Robins were promoted from League Two in 2021. The duo also played together for Cheltenham in their first season after promotion, when the striker scored 23 goals.
Huddersfield have already had a proposal for May rejected this summer, and they are set to return with a better offer as they look to reunite Duff and May at The John Smith’s Stadium.
Charlton must consider Huddersfield’s finances
If Charlton intends to sell May to Huddersfield this summer, they must guarantee that they get the highest possible price.
The Terriers recently sold midfielder Jack Rudoni to Coventry City for a multi-million-pound fee, contributing significantly to their already strong League One budget.
The Addicks should consider Huddersfield’s financial capacity when valuing May, especially given that Duff may be willing to pay slightly above the odds for a player he knows can score goals consistently in his system.
May still has a year left on his contract, and Charlton has the option to extend it for another year, so there is no pressure to sell until the finances are right and they can find a competent replacement.
Charlton need enough striking options next season
Before agreeing to sell May, Charlton must verify that the squad has enough forwards for next season.
Miles Leaburn and Chuks Aneke both missed significant portions of the 2023/24 season due to injuries, so Charlton cannot count on them to be ready for the entire season.
The Addicks are interested in signing Ipswich Town striker Gassan Ahadme, according to the East Anglian Daily Times. That would make May, Aneke, Leaburn, Daniel Kanu, and Ahadme Charlton’s senior strikers for the 2024/25 season.
If May leaves, the Addicks will need to recruit another striker to supplement Ahadme and cover for Aneke and Leaburn’s injuries.
Realistically, Charlton should accept a very good offer to sell League One’s top striker. Huddersfield are one of the third-tier clubs with the ability to make a reasonable bid, so it will be interesting to see how things play out as the summer transfer market unfolds.
