Charlton Athletic’s best and worst case transfer scenarios in January
The outcome of the January transfer window could be vitally important if Charlton Athletic are going to mount a successful promotion push this season.
The Addicks currently find themselves 12th in the League One table, four points adrift of the play-off places. Nathan Jones’ side have only won one of their last seven fixtures, although they are also unbeaten in four ahead of an important run of games against Exeter City, Peterborough United and Huddersfield Town.
Charlton will have faith that they can still make a success of this season, especially considering that their latest league victory came against title-favourites Birmingham City, and the three consecutive draws that followed came against sides that will also be hoping to be in and around the top-six at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
There is no doubt that the January transfer window could be decisive in terms of Charlton’s final position in League One, with a couple of key players currently due to be out of contract next summer, which could potentially attract the interest of other clubs.
Let’s take a look at a few best and worst case scenarios ahead of the January transfer window.
Worst case: Miles Leaburn leaves
Arguably the worst case scenario for Charlton in January would be Miles Leaburn leaving the club with less than a year remaining on his current deal.
The 20-year-old has recently returned from a long-term hamstring injury which had kept him out since last year, but his physicality and goalscoring ability could be crucial if the Addicks are going to be a threat to the rest of the teams vying for a play-off place during the remainder of the season.
He scored twice against Chelsea Under-21s in midweek as Charlton booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
The striker has previously attracted transfer interest from Premier League clubs including Chelsea and Brentford, so it would be no surprise to see a top-flight club make an offer to sign him if he does not sign a new contract before the January transfer window opens.
Best case: Lloyd Jones signs a new contract
A best case scenario for the Addicks would be if centre-back Lloyd Jones signs a new contract ahead of the January transfer window.
The 29-year-old, who is currently sidelined with an injury but should return before the end of the year, recently spoke about his desire to extend his stay at The Valley in an interview with London News Online.
“I’ve got to keep putting in performances – that is my main focus,” said Jones.
“Hopefully if I keep putting in good performances and focus on my football then a new contract will be here. I’ll have to wait and see.
“Football changes so quickly but Charlton is a big club with a great fanbase, a great stadium and a top manager. Everything seems to be falling in place.”
