Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones will need to trade a few players this summer as he prepares for his first full season in command at The Valley.
Jones joined Charlton in February, when the Addicks were in grave danger of being relegated, and finished 16th in League One.
The 51-year-old stated at the beginning of the summer that he enjoys developing his squad during the transfer window, and he has already added a few additions to Charlton’s roster.
The Addicks have agreed to recruit Cambridge United custodian Will Mannion on a free transfer, as well as midfielder Luke Berry, whose contract had expired at Jones’ former side, Luton Town.
Jones spoke with journalist Richard Cawley on the purchase of Berry, emphasising how crucial the signing is for the team.
“His last appearance was in the Premier League and his next appearance is going to be for Charlton Athletic, so that’s the type of calibre that we want to attract. We’ve fought off a lot of Championship interest for Luke.”
Charlton have announced the signing of Dunfermline Athletic left-back Josh Edwards; several other EFL clubs expressed interest in the 24-year-old following his impressive tenure with the Pars.
Conor McGrandles has returned to Lincoln City following an unproductive period in SE7, which included two loan spells away from the team.
Let’s take a look at a few additional players Jones may opt to trade this summer:
Scott Fraser
Scott Fraser, a Scottish midfielder, signed Charlton from Ipswich Town in January 2022 and has one year remaining on his contract.
The 29-year-old made 16 League One appearances this season without scoring or assisting, and spent the second half on loan at Heart of Midlothian.
The Edinburgh News stated at the end of the season that Fraser and his family intend to return up north next season, albeit he will return to Sparrows Lane for the start of Charlton’s pre-season schedule.
“They start back pre-season at the end of June and I’m expected back down there. I assume we’ll have more discussions in the future regarding that and regarding here. We will see what comes of them.”
Jones will have to determine if Fraser is part of his plans for next season, but all indications are that he will leave The Valley this summer and return to Scotland, either on loan or permanently.
Harry Isted
Harry Isted joined Charlton on a free transfer from Luton last summer, having played in Barnsley’s tight League One play-off final defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the final game of his loan term.
The custodian started all 16 of Jones’ games in command at the end of the season, but he only maintained three clean sheets overall.
The Addicks want to add another shot-stopper to compete with new signing Mannion for the gloves next season.
That means Jones would be open to consider bids for Isted, who has a year left on his contract.
Ashley Maynard-Brewer
Ashley Maynard-Brewer battled with Isted for Charlton’s top slot this season.
The Australian custodian did not play for Jones after the Welshman came at The Valley in February. The 24-year-old had a strong run of form during the 2022/23 season, earning him a new deal until 2026.
However, with Jones poised to sign another custodian this summer, Maynard-Brewer’s departure would be unsurprising.
He still has lots of time to improve, so a loan move could be the best choice, yet if the right offer comes in, Jones is unlikely to say no.
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