Charlton Athletic look set to win the race for QPR frontman Charlie Kelman, who has been the subject of heavy interest following an exceptional loan spell with Leyton Orient last season.
Emerging as League One’s top goalscorer and aiding Richie Wellen’s side to a play-off final, the 23-year-old has looked set to step up to Championship football, whether that be with his current club or not.
Previously linked with West Bromwich Albion, newly promoted side Charlton Athletic look set to wrap up a deal for the striker, according to journalist Richard Cawley.
Charlie Kelman Set for Championship Football
The 2024-25 campaign was a breakthrough campaign for the young forward, tallying 21 goals and 5 assists as Orient achieved an unexpected play-off charge, falling narrowly wide of promotion at Wembley.
A breakthrough has been long due for the forward as well, whose performances at Southend United earned his move to QPR in 2020.
Struggling to feature in the first team at Loftus Road, Kelman enjoyed loan spells with Gillingham and Wigan Athletic, but was the most prolific in his two spells at Brisbane Road under Wellens.
Winning the League Two title in the 2022-23 season with the club, he reunited with his former teammates last summer and spearheaded an unexpected play-off charge.
Given his recent career strides, many have expected that the young American will make the step up to Championship football; however, questions have gathered around his future at QPR, with the forward being linked to various moves away from the club.
Charlton Athletic Win the Race for Charlie Kelman
Upon their recent play-off victory, ironically over their target’s former club, the Addicks have not stayed quiet in the transfer window.
With Blackpool ace Robert Apter, Luton Town duo Amari’i Bell and Thomas Kaminski, and Stockport County star Tanto Olaofe amongst the new faces at the Valley, Nathan Jones looks set to ensure the club adapt to life back in the second tier.
The arrival of Charlie Kelman would be another statement of intent from the South London outfit, even more so with several of their Championship rivals previously linked with the star.
Exceptional defensive displays were the main contributing factor to last season’s promotion claim, so additions like this, alongside Apter and Olaofe, are particularly exciting for Addicks fans going into the 2025-26 campaign.
Charlton appear to have struck a fine balance between ‘Championship proven’ and ‘Championship potential’ within their recruitment this summer, meaning that Kelman would be hugely befitting of their recent acquisitions.
And with Jones at the helm, it will be interesting to see how the Addicks acclimatise to the prospect of second-tier football, given Jones’ previous achievements as an underdog in the division with Luton.
Kelman is a willing runner who makes good use of his physicality, with a keen eye for goal, and has every potential to step up in the footballing pyramid.
