Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has confirmed that the club are targeting a second goalkeeper to provide competition to new signing Will Mannion that is not only League One ready, but also prepared for the Championship too, according to the club’s official website.
Charlton Athletic confirmed the signing of the 26-year-old former Cambridge United goalkeeper Mannion on Monday morning as the club’s first signing of the summer window, however when discussing the addition, manager Jones dropped a hint at another potential transfer target this summer.
According to Jones, the club are looking to bring in another goalkeeper, that specifically has the ability to compete with Mannion as well as play at a higher level.
What has been said?
Speaking to the club’s official website Jones stated (speaking of Mannion);
“He’ll provide real good competition to those who we bring into that department and obviously he brings a real talent to it. We want to improve the department. We’re looking to bring in two goalkeepers to have a real competitive edge to them and two we believe can play at not just this level, but also can play at the level above.”
This statement was then backed up by Technical Director Andy Scott who stated;
“Our focus this summer is on adding quality to the squad to help set the standards and to supplement the young talent we already have, creating a healthy competition for places. While we’re really pleased Will has joined us, our intention is to bring another goalkeeper in to compete with the other goalkeepers at the club for that position in the starting line-up.”
A show of intent from Charlton Athletic
Put simply, you don’t target players that are able to play in the Championship if you aren’t aiming to be playing there in the very near future. After a period of mediocrity at the club, Jones has brought a real belief in the squad and Charlton as a whole that could indicate a much improved period from the Addicks. The targets they are being linked with to date are sensible and will allow them to bolster a squad that already boasts the likes of Alfie May in its ranks. Mannion is a great start, but I suspect he may well end up playing second fiddle to the next goalkeeper who is brought in.
