FLW’s Charlton fan pundit has found the ultimate free agency summer acquisition.
Charlton Athletic will prepare for the forthcoming summer transfer window.
Nathan Jones, the former Luton Town manager, has kept the Addicks in League One for another year, keeping the team away from relegation.
The London club had a terrible year, but the 50-year-old has overseen a promising start at the Valley.
This has raised hopes for the coming season that Charlton will compete in the top half of the League One table, with the club’s new owners aiming promotion to the Championship.
While the transfer market is not yet open, clubs will already be assessing their choices with the season set to conclude this weekend.
Charlton fan pundit identifies ideal free agent signing
Ben Fleming, FLW’s Charlton fan pundit, believes Jonson Clarke-Harris would be an excellent addition to the League One side.
The forward turned down an offer from Charlton in January, but he is scheduled to become a free agent this summer, which might lead to a deal.
“I think the pretty obvious shout is probably Jonson Clarke-Harris,” said Fleming to Football League World.
“It was widely documented that we expressed interest in him in January, and I believe we made a proposal.
“Clearly, they couldn’t agree on the fee or his pay, but I’d expect that’s something the club would want to look into in the summer.
“Whether his wage demands will be something we can meet, especially since he is out of contract, which means players typically demand higher wages, is a question given that we did not meet them in January.”
“But he’s definitely talented at this level, and it appears he’s about to leave Peterborough.
“A big, powerful striker.
“We signed Connor Wickham on a short-term contract; I’m not sure if that will be extended beyond the end of the season, but he’s the type of strong striker we could use.
“To work alongside [Miles] Leaburn when he returns, obviously Chuks Aneke can’t be relied on for minutes given his injury history.
“Someone like him would obviously make sense given who we pursued in January, and I’d imagine there’s still interest there, especially if Nathan Jones sticks with either the 5-3-2 formation or the 4-4-2 narrow diamond formation.”
“You’re going to want two up top, I think Clarke-Harris makes sense given his track record and our obvious interest in him in January.”
Clarke-Harris’ importance to Peterborough
Charlton will enter the last weekend of the League One season as 16th in the league.
Meanwhile, the Posh are fourth in the rankings and might win promotion to the Championship via the play-offs.
Clarke-Harris has nine goals and two assists in 33 third-tier appearances this season, helping the squad qualify for the playoffs.
However, it appears like his future is elsewhere from Peterborough, with no extension deal seeming probable.
Clarke-Harris would be a great addition at Charlton
Charlton will certainly face stiff competition for Clarke-Harris’ signing this summer, as any number of clubs could benefit from a forward of his caliber.
The 29-year-old has established himself as a dependable goal scorer at this level, even if this has not been his most successful season.
He previously assisted the Posh in gaining promotion to the Championship, which is the type of expertise that Charlton would like to have on their roster.
Clarke-Harris has played his cards well as his contract expires, and he will undoubtedly receive a very lucrative offer from wherever he next competes.
