Charlton Athletic must swoop to re-sign star after Middlesbrough decision | OneFootball

Charlton Athletic must consider a swoop for former loan midfielder Alex Gilbert this summer following his release from Middlesbrough

Charlton Athletic have been fairly active this summer, as Welsh head coach Nathan Jones aims to continue to complete some savvy business at The Valley between now and the end of the window.

In their first year back in the Championship, Charlton managed to survive relatively comfortably in the end.

Having spent around £10 million on the likes of Rob Apter, Charlie Kelman, Harvey Knibbs, Tanto Olaofe, and Thomas Kaminski, none really had the desired effect upon their arrival, as Jones turns to the market once again this summer hoping for more success.

So far, each of Karlan Grant, Danny McNamara, Millenic Alli, Billy Koumetio, and Ivan Mesik have arrived through the doors to reinforce the Addicks squad, though they are likely far from done there.

With both Terry Taylor and Luke Berry having left the club this summer at the end of their contracts, midfield ought to be the next area in need of some additions for Charlton, and they should look to re-sign a former loan star after his release from a division rival.

Charlton Athletic should look to re-sign Alex Gilbert on a permanent basis following his release from Middlesbrough

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Charlton head coach Jones will be keen to ensure his side has enough firepower next season to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle once again, and maybe even push further up towards the play-off places.

The Welshman has done a fantastic job since arriving in South-East London, guiding the Addicks to the Championship and keeping them there at the first time of asking.

He will be hoping to continue his good work heading into next season and for years to come, but first he will have his full focus on the transfer market and should be considering a move for former Middlesbrough midfielder Alex Gilbert.

Gilbert, 24, was recently released by Boro this summer and is available to be picked up on a free transfer at any point.

The former Irish youth international came through the ranks at West Bromwich Albion before joining Brentford in 2020, linking up with the Bees' B team.

A brief and uneventful loan spell with Swindon Town during the first half of the 2021/22 season followed, as Middlesbrough would bring him to Teesside in the summer of 2023 for a compensation fee of around £1 million after 79 appearances for Brentford's second team and just two for the first team.

Gilbert once again struggled to break into the squad at the Riverside, managing just 12 first-team appearances in his first campaign at the club, and then just seven in the first half of the following season, before being allowed to join Charlton on loan in January 2025.

With the Addicks, the midfielder would make 14 League One appearances, including one in the play-off semi-final and final, starting both, grabbing four assists in the process, helping Charlton return to the Championship.

He once again found himself out of the picture last season with Middlesbrough, initially under Rob Edwards, but Kim Hellberg would provide him with the opportunity to impress, making 24 appearances across all competitions, but he would be allowed to leave the club this summer.

Now, Gilbert is available as a free agent, and Charlton ought to be considering a move to reinforce their midfield options this summer.

Capable of playing numerous positions, having deputised in attacking-midfield, left-midfield, and defensive-midfield for Boro last summer, and impressing in each, Jones could work wonders with his versatility.

Having struggled to play regularly at Championship level despite now being 2024, Gilbert needs to find a home where he can be valued and provided the opportunity for regular minutes, and Charlton could be the perfect fit.

He and the club already have a relationship following his loan spell there some 18 months ago, and he could slot right into the Addicks midfield and provide immediate competition for the likes of Knibbs, Greg Docherty, and Conor Coventry.

Charlton, as Jones should look to get this one over the line as soon as possible.

Charlton Athletic need to be savvy in the final month of the transfer window

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Despite the changes in financial rules this summer, Charlton are still unable to throw money at the wall, and must continue the savvy way they have been operating in recent years in the transfer market.

On a free transfer, Gilbert ought to be a no-brainer for Jones, as the Welshman would be remiss to not even consider his addition this summer to add some versatility and depth into the middle of the park at The Valley.

At 24, Gilbert still has ample time to improve and become a bona fide regular at Championship level, and could do just that with the Addicks.

Buying smart instead of necessarily spending big ought to be a formula that Charlton continues to use moving forward, having found success with the likes of Lloyd Jones, Amari'i Bell, and Docherty, previously, all joining on frees.

Former West Bromwich Albion forward Grant has returned to the club on a free transfer already this summer, showing Jones' willingness to invest in the free agent market.

Gilbert ought to be next in the queue, with the former Boro midfielder having the potential to be a serious coup for Charlton this summer.