Charlton Athletic backed to sign ex-Derby County and Rangers FC star - but there are 'red flags' | OneFootball

FLW's Addicks Fan Pundit believes Tom Lawrence would bring some much needed experience to The Valley

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…

There is belief that Tom Lawrence would offer something "more dynamic" at Charlton Athletic, but Nathan Jones needs to be wary of the ex-Derby County captain’s "red flags."

This follows The Daily Mail’s report that states the Addicks have been linked with a January move for Lawrence, who is currently plying his trade with Perth Glory in the A-League and reportedly available for around £130k.

Nathan Jones' side are currently battling at the wrong end of the Championship table following their promotion from League One last season, sitting 19th in the division as they look to bolster their attacking options this month.

The southeast London outfit have been named alongside Blackburn Rovers as holding an interest in the 32-year-old former Rangers man, according to the aforementioned report.

What Tom Lawrence could bring to Nathan Jones' Charlton Athletic

FLW’s Charlton Athletic Fan pundit Alfie believes Lawrence could be a shrewd addition for the Addicks, particularly given the current makeup of their attacking options.

"I think whenever you make a signing, especially in January, it’s always about well what does this player have that we don’t have right now."He’s [Lawrence] an experienced Championship player. I think because Matty Godden’s been injured all season, our frontline has lacked experience - we’ve got a lot of young players in our frontline," Alfie told FLW.

Lawrence spent five years at Derby County’s Pride Park between 2017 and 2022, and has been performing well in Australia this season with five goals and two assists in nine appearances.

"If we can bring him in, it’d be good to get an older head in the frontline, and also a bit more dynamic," Alfie added.

The forward’s last spell in the second-tier came during the 21/22 season, when he produced his finest campaign in black and white despite the Rams' off-field turmoil. During that season, Derby were deducted 21 points for entering administration and yet Lawrence scored 11 goals and registered five assists.

The Fan Pundit continued by adding, "I’d say he’s kind of quick, looks like a better dribbler, that’s something we don’t really have. We’ve got (Miles) Leaburn who’s a bit of a unit, (Charlie) Kelman presses from the front in the right place at the right time, that’s kind of similar to Godden as well.

"We don’t really have a striker who can receive the ball, turn, run, take his man on and have a shot - that’s kind of what Tom Lawrence does from my understanding."

In all fairness, when he was at Derby, it was only on occasion that the Welsh international would play as a 'false 9' type striker. Every Rams fan would primarily remember Lawrence playing on the left before Wayne Rooney played him in an attacking midfield role.

The "red flags" Charlton Athletic need to be aware of surrounding Tom Lawrence

Alfie concluded on his Lawrence transfer verdict by saying, "So, would be a good signing, it’s not without its red flags. He’s been out of the Championship a while, he’s not ripping it up at Perth, but if we can get him cheap or on loan it’s not a bad idea."

What the Fan Pundit didn't note was the forward's potential to be earning quite a lot of money. Lawrence was Derby's highest earner during his final season at Pride Park, according to Capology estimates, raking in an estimated £30k-a-week.

For context, yes, this was a while ago, but it would make him the Addicks’ highest-paid player by an estimated £10k-a-week. Thomas Kaminski is the current No.1 on an estimated £20k-a-week.

But, ultimately, Lawrence's ability to operate as an attacking midfielder or out wide on the left flank would give Jones a lot more options than if he just used him as a striker.

His experience of fighting relegation battles at Derby could prove invaluable for the Addicks as they look to climb away from danger in the second half of the campaign. The Rams stayed up on the final day of the season the year before getting relegated, with Lawrence starting that match against Sheffield Wednesday.

Alfie suggests.