Charlton Athletic will look back on some of the signings they have made over the years and wonder whether they could have spent their money more wisely.
It sounds like you’re talking about Charlton Athletic. Since their relegation from the Premier League in 2007, they’ve struggled to maintain consistency at the Championship level and have spent a majority of their time in League One. Poor investment in the playing squad, ownership instability, and managerial changes have all contributed to their struggles.
Charlton have had a few promotions back to the Championship, notably in 2012 and 2019, but each time they failed to establish themselves at that level, leading to relegations. With better recruitment and financial backing, they might have been able to build a squad capable of sustaining a longer stay in the second tier. Instead, frequent changes in ownership and a lack of long-term planning have kept them bouncing between divisions.
Charlton Athletic have had their fair share of hit-and-miss signings since their relegation from the Premier League in 2007. While players like Bradley Wright-Phillips, Johann Berg Gudmundsson, and Patrick Bauer became fan favorites, others failed to justify their price tags. Here are five signings who struggled to make an impact despite the investment:
1. Chuks Aneke (2021)
Aneke rejoined Charlton from Birmingham City for a reported six-figure fee after impressing in his first spell. However, injuries and inconsistent form limited his impact. He failed to replicate his previous goal-scoring success and became a costly squad player rather than a key contributor.
2. Yohann Thuram (2013)
Signed on loan with an option to buy from Standard Liège, the goalkeeper was brought in to strengthen Charlton’s defense. However, he struggled in the Championship, failing to convince with his shot-stopping and command of the box. He played only a handful of games before being dropped.
3. Tomer Hemed (2019)
The Israeli striker arrived from Brighton with high expectations, having been a proven goal scorer at Championship level. However, his spell at The Valley was disappointing, as he managed just a couple of goals and failed to be the consistent goal threat Charlton desperately needed in their battle for survival.
4. Reza Ghoochannejhad (2014)
The Iranian forward arrived with a solid international reputation, and Charlton paid a significant fee to bring him in from Standard Liège. However, he struggled to adapt to the physicality of English football, scoring just one league goal before being loaned out and eventually leaving permanently.
5. Simon Makienok (2015 – Loan with Fee)
The Danish striker, brought in on loan from Palermo with a fee involved, was expected to lead the line for Charlton. However, his performances were inconsistent, and he failed to deliver the goals the team needed. His awkward playing style didn’t fit well with the squad, and he was ultimately a disappointment.
Charlton’s struggles in recruitment over the years have played a role in their inability to establish themselves back in the Championship. Do you think their current transfer strategy is improving, or are they still making similar mistakes?
Izale McLeod
Izale McLeod’s move to Charlton in 2007 was a major investment at the time, but it ultimately proved to be a disappointment. Coming off a 21-goal season for MK Dons in League Two, there were high hopes that he could translate that form to the Championship. However, he struggled to make an impact at The Valley, scoring just four goals before moving on.
His pace and goal-scoring ability were evident in lower divisions, as he later enjoyed strong spells at Barnet and Crawley Town, but he never quite adapted to the higher level with Charlton. This signing is a prime example of the club’s struggles with recruitment following their relegation from the Premier League, as they gambled on a player who wasn’t able to step up.
Would you say McLeod was one of Charlton’s biggest transfer flops, or do you think there were worse signings in that period?
Nicky Ajose
Nicky Ajose’s move to Charlton in 2016 was another example of the club spending significant money on a striker who ultimately failed to deliver. After scoring 24 goals for Swindon Town in League One, there were high expectations that he could fire the Addicks back to the Championship following their relegation.
However, Ajose struggled to replicate his prolific form at The Valley, managing just a handful of goals before being loaned out multiple times, including returns to Swindon and spells at Bury and Mansfield. His inability to settle and make an impact meant that his time at Charlton was largely forgettable, making him one of the club’s more expensive transfer disappointments.
Would you say Ajose was a bigger letdown than Izale McLeod, or do you think there were other signings that were even worse in terms of value for money?
Ronnie Schwartz
Ronnie Schwartz is certainly one of Charlton’s more frustrating signings in recent years. Signed in January 2021 after a delayed move, there were expectations that he could be a reliable goal scorer given his track record in Denmark. However, he never settled at The Valley and managed just one goal in 16 appearances.
His most memorable moment, unfortunately, was a costly missed penalty against Oxford United. With limited contributions and a lack of impact on the pitch, his contract was mutually terminated in October 2021, marking an expensive and ultimately failed signing.
Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk’s move to Charlton in 2021 looked promising at the time, given his reputation as one of the most exciting young wingers in the lower leagues. However, he never really settled at The Valley and struggled to replicate the form he showed at Crewe Alexandra.
Despite arriving for a £500,000 fee, he failed to make a significant impact, and after a couple of loan spells away from the club, his contract was mutually terminated in December 2023. This was another costly mistake in Charlton’s recruitment, as they failed to get any real value from the investment.
Gassan Ahadme
Gassan Ahadme’s transfer to Charlton for a reported £1 million last summer is already shaping up to be another costly mistake. Despite arriving with potential, his lack of goals and recent omission from the squad under Nathan Jones suggest he’s not in the club’s long-term plans.
With only one League One goal to his name and his future at Charlton uncertain, it’s looking like another case of poor recruitment. While there’s still time for him to turn things around, the early signs aren’t promising.
Do you think Ahadme deserves more chances to prove himself, or should Charlton cut their losses and move on?
