Charlton Athletic tipped to raid Oxford United for 7-figure summer transfer deal | OneFootball

Charlton Athletic are set for an interesting summer transfer window, as Nathan Jones looks to potentially add further depth to his squad.

Charlton Athletic will be looking to get over the line in their bid for survival this coming weekend, as they require a single point to retain their Championship status for another season.

Nathan Jones' side haven't been at their best in the second-half of the season, which has left some fans sweating over a potential relegation back into League One.

The Addicks were busy during last year's summer transfer window, as they adjusted to life back in the Championship, after gaining promotion via the League One play-offs last term.

The club's supporters will be hoping that they can recruit smartly in the upcoming transfer window, as they look to build on a relatively strong first season back in the Championship.

If they can confirm their status as a second tier club in the near future, then attentions can turn to how Nathan Jones can potentially strengthen his squad during the summer transfer window.

Charlton Athletic told they should raid relegation rivals Oxford United

Football League World's Charlton Athletic fan pundit, Chris Woodward highlighted Brian De Keersmaecker as a player that the Addicks should target this summer.

The Oxford United midfielder only signed for the Championship side in the summer of 2025 from Heracles Almelo, and has spent time in the treatment room, but has seemingly caught the eye in the appearances he's made for them.

De Keersmaecker has made 28 appearances in all competitions for Oxford this season, and has chipped in with two goals and five assists in his time with the club to date, but he's been out of action since the end of January with a shoulder injury.

Could he have played his last game for the U's though? Especially if they go down, Charlton have been told to make their move for the Berlgian.

"The player I'd like us to sign is Brian De Keersmaecker from Oxford, presuming they get relegated," Chris told FLW.

"Our midfield has been out biggest weakness all season, and there is a significant lack, of not even creativity, but technical ability in general, with none of our current midfielders able to effectively play with the ball.

"De Keersmaecker, despite being fit for only half the season, has more assists, expected assists, second for chances created, and a better pass accuracy for a struggling Championship side than anyone in our squad, highlighting how good he is in comparison on the ball.

"Considering Jones is a big fan of set-pieces as well, his set-piece taking would also be beneficial, and his physical attributes and defensive numbers would definitely be good enough to handle Jones' system."

Charlton Athletic could potentially afford Brian De Keersmaecker deal if Oxford United agree to sell

Midfield options could be the ideal area for Nathan Jones to strengthen this summer, and if they can do that, then they could fire themselves up the second tier standings relatively quickly next season.

Luke Berry is one of the players that are out of contract at The Valley this summer, and so reinforcements in the centre of midfield are likely to be needed ahead of the 2026/27 league campaign.

Woodward went on to outline the sort of finances that could be needed to secure a deal with Oxford to sign De Keersmaecker, with a drop back into League One seemingly on the horizon for them, as they're six points behind Charlton in the Championship table, and needing a favourable swing in the goal difference between both teams.

"Then, you also have to factor in that he won't need to adapt to the Championship, and is only 25-years-old. His profile makes him much more appealing as well," Chris added.

"Not only would this be a brilliant signing from a footballing viewpoint, but he only cost Oxford £2.5m (reports suggest the fee was well north of £1 million-plus), and is reportedly on wages of £15,000 per-week.

"With Oxford looking like they will get relegated, you would imagine his wages would drop, or at worst, stay the same, which Charlton would be able to match and likely improve.

"You would also think that given the difference in finances, that Oxford wouldn't demand too much more than what they paid for him, especially if he wants to pay at a higher level as well. I can't see any footballing or financial downside to signing De Keersmaecker, and I'd be looking to make a move for him as soon as Oxford go down."

De Keersmaecker is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, which has kept him out of action since late January, as he last featured against Leicester City, and his absence has been costly for Oxford boss, Matt Bloomfield, as they look set to be relegated back into League One.

Oxford will need to beat Sheffield Wednesday this weekend to keep their faint hopes of survival in the Championship alive, although that result could be irrelevant if Charlton are to secure the point they need, when they take on play-off chasing Hull City at The Valley.