Championship Charlton Athletic face fresh competition for a League One defender from Reading from QPR adding to previous interest from Preston North End and Watford.
The Addicks are working hard to construct a team capable of competing in the second tier next season after success in last season’s Play-Off Final. Nathan Jones’ side overcame Leyton Orient at Wembley to secure promotion, joining Birmingham City and Wrexham.
They have already agreed a deal for Blackpool’s Sonny Carey, who will join them when his contract expires in just nine days time.
But they could be set to add another free agent to their ranks this summer, if they can fend off interest from elsewhere.
QPR Battle For Charlton Athletic Transfer Target as Championship Interest Emerges
QPR are the latest side to be credited with an interest in soon-to-be free agent Amadou Mbengue who is set to depart Reading at the end of the month.
THE DECK’s sources indicated that the Championship club did also explore a potential deal for the latest Royals’ signing Paudie O’Connor but decided against a move and to pursue other targets.
Mbengue looks to be the alternative, but with a much younger age profile and higher sell on value he is still considered “pre-peak” by those in the industry which is targeted by many recruitment teams. Prompting interest from QPR according to West London Sport.
Charlton Athletic, Watford and Preston North End have all been previously credited with interest and with the player’s deal set to end in just a few days he will be keen to secure a club ahead of pre-season.
Amadou Mbengue’s Impressive Campaign in Numbers
The loss of Mbengue may have been offset by the addition of O’Connor but the 23-year-old will be a tough act to follow.
2024/25 Reading Statistics
- 36 Appearances
- 1 Goal
- 7.06 Average SofaScore Rating
- 9 Clean Sheets
- 2.3 Tackles per Game
- 4.5 Balls Recovered per Game
- 5.7 Clearances per Game
Statistics from SofaScore
Mbengue may not have been in the top performing centre backs in League One last season, but with his current age profile and desire to improve he has more than earned a shot in the Championship next season.