Reaction given to Charlie Kelman situation at Charlton Athletic - there "is a positive" despite lack of goals | OneFootball

FLW's Addicks expert has weighed in on their Charlie Kelman outlay

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

When Charlton Athletic announced the £3.5 million signing of Charlie Kelman in the summer - potentially rising to £5 million with add-ons - it felt like a statement of intent.

The Addicks, newly returned to the Championship, were willing to gamble big on a striker who had taken League One by storm the previous season.

Kelman arrived at The Valley off the back of a prolific campaign with Leyton Orient, where he netted 21 league goals and added another two in the play-offs, finishing as the division’s top scorer.

At just 23, the forward had seemingly matured into a reliable Football League goalscorer, one who deserved another shot in the second tier after earlier struggles with QPR.

However, life in the Championship has so far proved difficult. Kelman has featured in eight matches - starting six - and clocked up 407 minutes without registering a goal or an assist.

His underlying metrics don’t make for pleasant reading either: just four shots all season, 0.41 expected goals, a pass accuracy of 64%, and only two chances created.

It’s a stark contrast to his attacking output at Brisbane Road last year, when he racked up 111 shots, 18.6xG and contributed to 26 goal involvements in the league alone.

Charlton Athletic expert claims Addicks have not wasted money on Charlie Kelman

Charlton, however, have started the season reasonably well under Nathan Jones. Sitting 8th after eight games, with a positive goal difference and contributions spread across the squad, the Addicks are not in crisis mode.

Yet for supporters, the concern lingers: has too much been invested in a player who hasn’t yet found his feet?

That question has inevitably sparked debate. Some believe the fee was too high for a striker unproven at Championship level, especially when comparisons are drawn with QPR’s Richard Kone - signed using the Kelman funds and already thriving following the same step-up in division.

Others argue that Kelman’s slow start is to be expected, and that patience will pay off as he adapts to a higher level of competition.

In light of this, Football League World spoke with Addicks fan pundit Sam White, to ask his take on whether Charlie Kelman was a summer overspend.

“I mean no - I don't think Charlton overpaid for Charlie Kelman,” White told FLW.

“I think the deal at the minute is probably around 2 million with add-ons.

“The lad is sort of early to mid-20s, certainly not hit his peak yet.

“Yes, he hasn't scored just quite yet, but the potential is definitely there, and he's looking like he's actually probably adding more to his game than goals, which is a positive.

“I think in a Nathan Jones team, you have to have to do everything, and you've got to do everything well if you're going to keep your place - and he has done that.

“And whilst he's probably not getting the final assist or the goals, he’s at least starting a lot, and giving the kind of goal performance, if you want to put [it like] that.

“I think at the minute people are looking at it going, 'yeah, £5 million, well overspent' and whatever.

“But it's not that at the moment. He will score goals, and it's just about being patient and helping him get there.”

Slow start to Charlton career will mean questions linger over Charlie Kelman in the Championship

The reality is that both perspectives carry weight. On the one hand, £3.5m is a considerable outlay for Charlton, and with the potential to rise to £5m, scrutiny was always going to be intense.

The lack of early goals only sharpens the focus on Kelman’s every performance, particularly when his replacement at QPR is already delivering in the same division.

On the other hand, it would be unfair to write off a 23-year-old striker just two months into the new season.

Kelman has already demonstrated that he can score consistently in League One, and adapting to the Championship often takes time.

Nathan Jones values forwards who contribute beyond goals, and Kelman has shown glimpses of work rate and tactical discipline, even if the final product has yet to arrive.

Ultimately, the success of this transfer will not be judged in September but in May. If Kelman grows into his role, Charlton may look back on this investment as a turning point in their Championship stability.

But until he breaks his duck, the debate will remain: did the Addicks overspend on their marquee summer signing, or are they simply waiting for a young striker to blossom?