HIGHLIGHTS
- Charlton boss Nathan Jones targeting familiar faces to build competitive squad for promotion push.
- Squad rebuild underway with 25-man goal, focusing on midfield reinforcements with Berry, Morrell potential targets.
- Potential free transfer options include Luke Berry, Joe Morrell, Fred Onyedinma to strengthen Charlton squad.
Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones could bring in some familiar faces as he looks to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion to the Championship next season.
Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones has already started laying the foundations for his squad rebuild ahead of the 2024/25 season, having released eight players at the end of the last campaign.
The Welshman wants to have a 25-man squad at his disposal in League One next season, consisting of three goalkeepers and two options for each outfield position.
The Addicks are hoping to bring in Dunfermline Athletic’s 23-year-old left-back Josh Edwards this week, according to a report from London News Online.
Jones will need to bring in several new players during the upcoming transfer window if Charlton are to improve on last season’s underwhelming 16th place finish.
Let’s take a look at three players who would increase the level of Charlton’s squad and could be available on a free transfer:
Luke Berry
Charlton have been strongly linked with departing Luton Town midfielder Luke Berry. The 31-year-old was released by the Hatters following their relegation at the end of their first Premier League campaign.
Berry, who joined Luton from Cambridge United in 2017, played under Jones during both of his stints in charge at Kenilworth Road. He scored two goals and provided one assist in 17 Premier League appearances during the 2023/24 season.
Charlton are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements this summer. With the departure of captain George Dobson, only Conor Coventry and Karoy Anderson remain as midfielders who featured under Jones last season. Berry’s experience and familiarity with Jones could make him a valuable addition to the squad.
Joe Morrell
Portsmouth midfielder Joe Morrell could become available on a free transfer if he is unable to agree fresh terms at Fratton Park. Pompey decided to try and negotiate a new deal rather than activate his 12-month extension, and boss John Mousinho has admitted that their stance could mean the club loses Morrell to a League One club.
| Joe Morrell’s League One stats, according to Transfermarkt | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Player Name | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Joe Morrell | 121 | 1 | 12 |
The Welsh international is no stranger to his compatriot Jones. Charlton’s boss facilitated Morrell’s transfer from Luton to Portsmouth in 2021.
Rumors suggested the transfer stemmed from a falling out between the midfielder and his manager, but Jones clarified that they had a “really good relationship” and that the move aimed to secure more first-team minutes for Morrell.
If Morrell does not agree to a new deal with Portsmouth, Charlton should consider pursuing the 27-year-old.
Fred Onyedinma
Fred Onyedinma, released by Luton after their first season in the Premier League, could enhance Charlton’s options in midfield and at right-wing-back. The versatile 27-year-old made eight appearances for Luton in the Premier League during the 2023/24 season and played 16 games on loan at Rotherham United in the Championship.
Charlton fans would need to overlook Onyedinma’s past with Millwall, a manageable task given his quality. While signing him would be ambitious for the Addicks, they have an advantage in Jones’ personal relationship with Onyedinma, having signed him from Wycombe Wanderers in 2021.
Raised in London and Nigeria-born, Onyedinma’s local ties could make Charlton an attractive option if they choose to pursue a deal.
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