Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has emphasized the necessity of trimming the squad before making additional signings. The club has already secured seven permanent additions during the summer transfer window, but further acquisitions will require player departures.
Jones, preparing his team for their League One opener against Wigan Athletic next Saturday, explained, “What we have to do is make sure we have a really balanced squad and keep adding quality. At the minute, yes, we’re at our maximum in terms of players so we can’t add until we move. But we generally have got to be in a good place where we can add.”
He continued, “We’re always looking to improve the squad. We’ve got just under a month until the window shuts, and we will endeavour to keep trying to be better week in week out.”
Charlton Athletic has been in negotiations with goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, who is currently a free agent after departing from QPR at the end of last season. The need for a new goalkeeper has become more pressing following the departure of fellow keeper Harry Isted, who recently joined Burton Albion.
When asked if Isted’s exit opened up an immediate opportunity to bring in a new goalkeeper, manager Nathan Jones responded cautiously, stating, “We’re looking to improve all areas, that’s what we said.”
Nathan Jones is currently trialing his former Luton Town players Dan Potts and Danny Hylton at Charlton Athletic. Potts featured in the final 10 minutes of Charlton’s 2-0 home win against Championship side Portsmouth in their last pre-season match.
When asked about making a decision on Potts and Hylton, Jones stated, “There’s no rush but we also want to be respectful to them. I know these players very well, players that have done magnificently for me in the past and have had fantastic careers. We’d like to be able to do both and we’ll see.”
