Football League World
·8 August 2024
In partnership with
Yahoo sportsFootball League World
·8 August 2024
FLW takes a look at two goalkeepers that Charlton Athletic could sign after missing out on a few of their targets so far this summer.
Charlton have been in the market for another goalkeeper for most of the summer, but they have still not managed to get a deal for any of their targets over the line.
The Addicks signed Will Mannion from Cambridge United on a free transfer earlier in the transfer window, but it was reported at the time that they were still keen to bring in another goalkeeper.
Since then, Charlton have explored the possibility of signing several shot-stoppers, including John Ruddy prior to him joining Newcastle United, Sheffield United's Adam Davies before he signed a new contract at Bramall Lane, and Viljami Sinisalo before he signed for Celtic.
Former Chelsea and Everton man Asmir Begovic was in negotiations to join the club on a free transfer after leaving Queens Park Rangers at the end of last season, but that deal broke down as financial terms could not be agreed.
After that, it seemed as though the Addicks were set to sign Estonia international Karl Hein on loan from Arsenal, before it became apparent that he would instead be joining La Liga side Real Valladolid.
Last season, Ashley Maynard-Brewer and Harry Isted kept just five clean sheets between them in League One, and the latter has now signed for Burton Albion, leaving Maynard-Brewer and Mannion as Nathan Jones' only senior options between the sticks.
Let's take a look at two goalkeepers that Charlton could register an interest in before the end of the summer transfer window.
Despite Jones stating at the start of the summer that he wanted to avoid bringing players in on loan, Charlton's attempt to sign Hein suggests that he is now willing to venture into the market for a temporary addition if the right player becomes available.
One player who would be a real coup for the Addicks is Coventry City goalkeeper Ben Wilson, who played a key role for the Sky Blues during their run to the Championship play-off final in the 2022/23 season, but endured a slightly more difficult campaign last term.
The 31-year-old played all of Coventry's first 15 games in the second tier last season, before featuring just three more times in the league during the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign. Brad Collins had edged ahead of Wilson as Mark Robins' first-choice goalkeeper by the end of the season.
Swedish international Oliver Dovin has signed for the Championship club this summer for an initial fee of £1.6m, seemingly pushing Wilson further down the pecking order. While there could be a reasonable number of potential suitors if Wilson, who has one year left on his contract, is made available, Charlton should definitely consider registering an interest, as they look to bolster their goalkeeping department.
Charlton have already signed Matty Godden from Coventry during this transfer window, a player Wilson is close with from their time together at the CBS Arena, which could help if they do decide to make a move for the goalkeeper.
Signing Wilson would be a good acquisition for Charlton, and considering that his minutes will be limited at Coventry next season, it could be worth trying to complete a deal.
Another goalkeeper who Charlton could consider signing is free agent Marko Marosi, who left Shrewsbury Town this summer after keeping 35 clean sheets during his three-season stay in Shropshire, including 11 last term, despite the Shrews finishing 19th in League One.
Football Insider have reported that the 30-year-old is attracting interest from clubs in the third tier, as well as Championship sides who are in need of a backup option. It is highly unlikely that Marosi would demand a wage as high as Begovic, so Charlton could consider registering an interest in signing him on a free transfer.
Marosi kept four clean sheets in 20 Championship appearances for Coventry during the 2020/21 campaign, prior to his move to Shrewsbury, and would be a shrewd addition for Jones.
He played in goal for the Sky Blues as they won the League One title in 2020, and also helped Doncaster Rovers reach the third tier play-offs in 2019, where they were beaten by Charlton on penalties in the semi-final.
Charlton are in need of a goalkeeper, and Marosi has shown that he is capable of performing well in League One over the course of his career, so they could explore the possibility of bringing him to The Valley.