Charlton Athletic’s dream summer transfer window includes a Nathan Jones reunion and a familiar face

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A new era of Championship football is officially incoming for Charlton Athletic, with the summer transfer window reopening.

Charlton Athletic secured a dramatic promotion via the League One play-offs on May 25, 2025, with a hard-fought victory over Leyton Orient at Wembley.

Under the leadership of manager Nathan Jones, who recently signed a new long-term contract following strong interest from other clubs, the Addicks are focused on building a competitive squad.

Jones has already said that discussions over possible transfer targets are well underway, and a significant summer of recruitment is expected at The Valley.

The club’s owners and new CEO Dane Murphy are plotting a ‘five-year project’ as they push towards a successful season.

With this renewed ambition, and with Charlton on course to make £20m in revenue after promotion, we have taken a look at what a dream summer transfer window would look like for the Addicks.

The return of a familiar face for Charlton fans

A friendly face for Charlton fans, Anfernee Dijksteel is available on a free transfer after being released by Middlesbrough.

The 28-year-old previously helped the Addicks win promotion in 2019 and would bring valuable Championship experience. He’s a versatile defender who can play at right-back or centre-back.

His familiarity with the club and their ambitions could make a return to The Valley possible, strengthening Nathan Jones’ defensive options.

Nathan Jones to reunite with Luton player

Charlton’s manager has a history of bringing in players he’s worked with, and Jordan Clark from Luton Town would be a smart signing. The 31-year-old midfielder, who worked under Jones during Luton’s rise, offers a strong work rate and an eye for goal from midfield.

He scored six goals and provided six assists in the Championship this past season, even as Luton were relegated from the Premier League. His experience and understanding of Jones’ system would make him a great choice.

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Young Tottenham midfielder to join

While Jones often favours permanent signings, a loan signing could also be beneficial. Jamie Donley, the promising 20-year-old Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, enjoyed an outstanding loan spell at Leyton Orient last season, contributing eight goals and ten assists in League One.

With Luke Berry turning 33 and Alex Gilbert returning to Middlesbrough, Charlton could benefit from Donley’s attacking talent. If Charlton can leverage their London location, a loan deal for the Northern Ireland international could be a smart choice.

• READ MORE: Forget Tom Lawrence, Wrexham must sign out-of-favour Crystal Palace winger this summer

Charlton Athletic players to leave this summer

Charlton Athletic’s promotion to the Championship signals a squad overhaul, with several players likely to depart as Nathan Jones aims to build a competitive team for the higher tier.

Veteran striker Chuks Aneke, 31, is a prime candidate for departure with a recurring injury record and expiring contract. It is unlikely the club will offer new terms.

Similarly, right-back Tennai Watson, 28, also out of contract in June 2025, has faced injury struggles and competition for his spot, making his future uncertain as Charlton seek more robust options.

Alex Gilbert, whose loan from Middlesbrough has concluded, is unlikely to secure a permanent move given the step up in the division, and he’ll return to his parent club. 

The window does not shut until September 1, and a lot could change in that time, but this would be a productive summer for Charlton Athletic.