Nathan Jones facing big Charlton Athletic stick-or-twist decision following Luton Town deal | OneFootball

Thomas Kaminski has signed for Charlton Athletic, but someone has to make way for the former Luton Town shot-stopper.

Charlton Athletic have found their new number one in former Luton Town shot-stopper Thomas Kaminski.

The one-time Belgian international has played all but one game in the past two seasons, and, despite suffering relegation in both his campaigns at Kenilworth Road, he's a signing that you feel will make Charlton fans happy as they begin the road to remaining in the Championship next season.

Especially given that, despite Charlton's impressive campaign last season, the inability to have a recognised starting goalkeeper throughout the season was an issue.

Both Will Mannion and Ashley Maynard-Brewer shared the 'number one' spot in the 2024/25 season, but you now feel that with Kaminski arriving, Charlton's keeper spot will be pretty secure.

So, Nathan Jones has a decision to make, as having three keepers who could stake their claim for a starting spot is arguably too much competition, and at least one will have to depart this summer.

Nathan Jones has backup goalkeeper call to make ahead of the 2025/26 campaign

Last season, Nathan Jones began the campaign with new signing Will Mannion in between the sticks.

The Hull City academy graduate arrived on a three-year deal from Cambridge United, with an option to extend an extra year. His inclusion straight into the Addicks lineup immediately was a strange one in the minds of most, as Mannion was never the first choice during his time at Cambridge.

But the likelihood was that Charlton were once again prepared to switch things up in goal during the season if needs be, after Ashley Maynard-Brewer had shared the role with Harry Isted the season before.

And that proved to be the case 15 games in, but only due to a thigh injury picked up by Mannion. Once the injury was cleared, however, the former Cambridge man couldn't get back into the team.

That was until another injury hit a Charlton keeper, as Maynard-Brewer was forced to miss two months due to a groin injury he picked up in February against Birmingham City. From then on, Mannion started games once again.

Clearly, Nathan Jones has taken the idea that having two competent goalkeepers at the level his side is at as a good thing, as it means that injuries and suspensions won't disrupt the flow of the side.

But now Thomas Kaminski has arrived, you'd expect that the 32-year-old will be the recognised starter next season, and with his near-impeccable injury record since he came to England in 2020, game time will be limited for Mannion and Maynard-Brewer.

Neither will likely accept being the third choice and hardly playing, so one will probably leave, but the question on Nathan Jones' mind is who to choose.

Will Mannion should be the man for Nathan Jones this season

If the plan is to have two goalkeepers who are at the level required for the Championship, then Charlton should be doing everything they can to ensure that Will Mannion is content with being the backup this coming season, leaving Ashley Maynard-Brewer either free to leave or as the third choice.

The two keepers' shot-stopping and distribution were quite similar last season, albeit with Mannion leading ever so slightly, but the fact that the former Hull man started eight more games than Maynard-Brewer should come into that.

However, the commanding nature of Mannion gives him the edge over his fellow goalkeeper, claiming the ball high 21 more times than Maynard-Brewer and acting as a sweeper four more times.

So, if Jones can convince Mannion to be the backup once again to Thomas Kaminski, the Welsh manager may have his 'keeper duo locked in for the 2025/26 campaign.