Nathan Jones has just given himself a huge Charlton Athletic issue | OneFootball

Charlton Athletic now have plenty of strength in depth on the left side of their attack, which could be an issue going forward

There is no doubt that Charlton Athletic needed extra attacking reinforcement after they scored the third-fewest goals in the Championship last season.

Nathan Jones' side brought in plenty of talent in forward areas from League One clubs ahead of their return campaign in the second tier, including the third tier's top scorer in 2024/25, Charlie Kelman, but most of those weren't able to make that step up.

Tanto Olaofe and Rob Apter were sent on loan back to the third tier in January. Harvey Knibbs, while remaining a Charlton player all year, only started seven league games and Kelman himself scored just five goals from open play all year.

The Addicks scored 44 times in league action, less than a goal a game. Evidently, while not giving up on last summer's signings, there's been an onus to bring in some more well-established second-tier frontmen this summer.

A returning Karlan Grant has ticked that box significantly, bringing just shy of 250 Championship appearances to the club with him, and Millenic Alli has also arrived at the Valley, someone who has shown glimpses of brilliance in the second tier at both Luton Town and Portsmouth.

Nathan Jones' summer activity has given him a real selection headache ahead of next season

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Alli has been a bit of a frustrating figure over the past 12 months. Following a run of four goals in 16 Championship outings for Luton and numerous standout performances despite their relegation in 2024/5, there were expectations he could return to League One and replicate what he was doing at Exeter City before his switch to Kenilworth Road.

However, he flattered to deceive under Matt Bloomfield in the third tier and was then allowed to leave under Jack Wilshere. His loan to the Championship in January showed his quality.

After some glowing performances in a Portsmouth shirt, the left-winger now moves to Charlton in the search for a fresh start and a base to recapture his form and showcase his second-tier capabilities at a more consistent rate.

Meanwhile, though, Grant returns to Charlton after over seven years away as a striker who has spent the last three seasons operating off the left for Cardiff City and West Bromwich Albion.

If Addicks boss Nathan Jones opts to use the 28-year-old as a left-sided attacker, plus the arrival of natural left-winger Alli, and the presence of Tyreece Campbell, the Welshman has a real selection headache on that left wing heading into next season.

Campbell endured a tricky debut campaign at Championship level, so will be hungry to take that next step and prove he's a second-tier standard wideman. Similarly, so will Alli, and Grant will be coming back expecting to be first choice.

Perhaps the former West Brom attacker will be profiled as a striker again, but with Matty Godden returning to add to a striker core that includes Kelman, Miles Leaburn and potentially a returning Lyndon Dykes, that position may be too saturated for the 28-year-old to break into, too.

So, Jones may be set to have three players who will want to start games, all vying for one position. It's good to have that competition, but it will be difficult to share those minutes around.

Tyreece Campbell will hate new Charlton Athletic transfer news

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With two new arrivals through the door who can play off the left, Campbell will definitely find himself pushed even further down the pecking order at Charlton ahead of next season.

The 22-year-old only started eight league games from February until the end of the season, as new signings both up front and at left-wing-back saw him out of contention. He had his contract extended until 2027, as the Addicks had an option.

As he enters the final year of his deal, the Charlton academy graduate will be looking to prove his worth in a Championship side after a difficult year. But he'll definitely find opportunities hard to come by next year, especially if the likes of Grant and Alli do end up coming in to play ahead of him in the upcoming campaign.

With little room for error ahead of their second season back in the Championship, though, it makes sense that Nathan Jones has chosen to strengthen that area, after Campbell only registered five goal involvements last year.

It's up to the 22-year-old now to prove he is capable of being a starting player at the Valley in the second tier, and give Nathan Jones a real headache when it comes to selection this season.