Charlton Athletic have had a busy summer so far as they prepare for their fifth consecutive season in League One.
The Addicks have made seven new recruits this transfer window as manager Nathan Jones builds the squad for his first full season at The Valley.
Charlton are now in a training camp in Slovenia, following their first pre-season friendly against Dartford, which allowed supporters to see Luke Berry, Matty Godden, and Gassan Ahadme for the first time since joining the club.
Striker Alfie May, who won the Golden Boot in League One last season, was sold to Birmingham City for £775,000, thus Charlton must ensure that no more vital players are sold before the opening day game against Wigan Athletic on August 10th.
Unlike in the past, Charlton has signed several promising young players to long-term contracts. Last season, Karoy Anderson, Daniel Kanu, and Nathan Asiimwe all signed new contracts as the Addicks sought to protect the futures of its top prospects.
The Addicks must guarantee that none of their other bright young players are moved this summer as they seek to build on last season’s disappointment during the 2024/25 season.
Miles Leaburn
Miles Leaburn, a Charlton striker, has sparked attention from Premier League clubs such as Chelsea, Brentford, and Aston Villa throughout his career. Last summer, an undisclosed German club’s proposal of around £3 million was rejected.
The 20-year-old appeared in 13 League One games last season, helping the Addicks finish 16th, despite an injury that kept him out for much of the season.
He has 20 goals in 58 games for Charlton, and despite the fact that his contract expires next summer, the Addicks should aim to keep him if any offers come in during the transfer season.
A completely fit Leaburn might be critical to the Addicks achieving their goals next season, and if they win promotion, he may be able to renew his contract.
The South Londoners appear to be selling at an inopportune time.
Thierry Small
Teenage Wingback Thierry Small impressed for the Addicks in the second half of last season after signing in February following a mutual termination of his contract with Southampton.
The club triggered a one-year extension to the short-term contract he signed when he joined, as well as an additional long-term contract, which Small has yet to sign.
Tottenham Hotspur were linked with a move for the 19-year-old earlier this summer, but it appears he will remain at The Valley for the 2024/25 season.
Despite the fact that his contract is set to expire next summer, Charlton should turn down any approaches for Small during the current transfer season. As a left wing-back, Jones will rely on his pace, dribbling ability, and ability to cross the ball next season.
As with Leaburn, if Charlton wins promotion to the Championship next season, Small may sign a new contract. If the Addicks want to have a good season, they must retain their finest players.
