Charlton Athletic agreement is timely for AFC Wimbledon after Johnnie Jackson's pre-Luton dilemma | OneFootball

Johnnie Jackson had a selection issue at right wing-back, and now his links to Charlton Athletic seem to have solved that problem

It had been a disappointing and quiet spell in the transfer window for AFC Wimbledon, with no signings made in nearly a month.

While there have been some brilliant renewals and astute signings made elsewhere in the team, the club had, up until yesterday, not managed to replace Josh Neufville at right wing-back, who was the star player in Johnnie Jackson's lineup last season.

But now, with a clash against Luton Town on the horizon, there need not be any more worries among the ranks as a former club of Jackson's, Charlton Athletic, have lent a hand, and a player that stops any concerns about quality at right wing-back.

AFC Wimbledon's worry at right wing-back

Throughout pre-season, there was constant debate that one of two academy graduates, both of whom have their strengths in the position, could have been starting against the Hatters. However, both come with eye-widening weaknesses which could have easily been exposed by a team of Luton's quality.

Aron Sasu, who has been Jackson's preferred man at right wing-back throughout pre-season, certainly has the ability to play in the position attacking-wise with his fast and explosive pace combined with a deft touch and silky skills perfect for a wide player who would be crucial in creating chances in Jackson's system.

However, he does lack real defensive nous, which could have hurt Wimbledon, especially against sides such as Luton, who are one of the teams tipped to be up there and fighting for the league this season and are rich with attacking talent.

He could have developed this ability last season had it not been for an injury in the build-up to 2024/25, which saw him sidelined for a few months, but now it is undercooked and underdeveloped, and is a big weakness about him as a player, making him a slightly unfavoured option for what is likely to be a defence-focused team on Friday night.

Which is why Isaac Ogundere was perhaps the one to be trusted in that spot instead.

The Hillingdon-born defender, who was once part of Brentford's academy, has become a well-seasoned defender for the Dons, having made 85 senior appearances at the club since being promoted during Jackson's first season three years ago.

He has certainly adapted his playing style to suit Jackson's game more and more, becoming an extremely confident ball-player to help cover in the right centre-back slot. However, he does lack the attacking edge that Sasu brings.

When first placed into the team as a graduate back in 2022/23, he featured alongside Hus Biler, with the two battling it out for the right-back slot in the team, and it was ultimately Biler who was preferred due to his better attacking output and composure in the attacking-third.

However, it is something that Ogundere has made sure to improve on since. As of now, it is still not a big strength of his and so, while he could have bolstered things defensively, going forward, the Dons would not have had the same effectiveness as they did last season when it comes to generating attacking chances and goals from the wings.

But now, thanks to the Dons' London neighbours, there has been a solution that has arrived at the perfect time.

Nathan Asiimwe is a timely signing for AFC Wimbledon and Johnnie Jackson

Bringing in Nathan Asiimwe now puts ease to the fears that one of either Ogundere or Sasu would have been starting against a side that two years ago were giving Manchester City a run for their money in one of the world’s biggest leagues.

And while there is little to no doubt that either of the Dons’ academy graduates would have done a great job, Asiimwe’s signing comes at a perfect time as, having been playing consistently for Charlton throughout pre-season, he can be slotted straight into the team for Friday night, in a role very similar to that of Neufville.

A star for Walsall in what was ultimately a disappointing second half of last season, the 20-year-old prides himself on being a player that can offer both solid defensive work, and good attacking output.

In an interview with the club shortly after signing, he said: “I like to be energetic down the flanks and help out in both boxes where possible. I know I can defend well but also support the attack with good deliveries into the box.”

And that is exactly what Jackson was targeting after seeing time and time again throughout pre-season, the wing-back area being a particular area of struggle.

Speaking about his signing, the Dons’ boss said: “He adds a good option to that wing-back position where we’re light.

“He can play on both sides, he gives us a threat in attack but is also solid defensively. He has a real maturity about his game for someone so young.”

So perhaps now is a time for Dons fans to breathe a sigh of relief, albeit for the time being. Everyone of a yellow and blue persuasion is under no illusions that the upcoming season is certainly going to be tough.

However, signings like Asiimwe, who can help replace those who have departed, like Neufville, mean that no overhauls in Jackson’s system are needed, meaning there is every hope the team can knuckle down and look to put points on the board earlier on in the season.