Charlton Athletic Land Striker Charlie Kelman from QPR in Major Transfer Deal

Charlton Athletic have signed striker Charlie Kelman from Queens Park Rangers. The transfer fee could reach £5 million with add-ons.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Charlton Athletic completed the permanent signing of Charlie Kelman from QPR after lengthy negotiations. The reported fee is £3.5 million upfront, potentially rising to £5 million based on performance clauses. Kelman, 23, gained interest from several clubs after his successful loan at Leyton Orient, where he netted 21 goals and won the League One Golden Boot. Ultimately, newly-promoted Charlton beat competition from rivals, including Luton Town and Charlotte FC, who had an initial offer for him rejected, to secure his signature.

KELMAN’S IMPACT AND TEAM SITUATION

Kelman’s addition provides Charlton with a proven goal scorer as they return to the Championship. His crucial contributions last season played a pivotal role in Leyton Orient’s promotion push, although Charlton defeated them in the play-off final. QPR, Kelman’s former club, released a player they signed in 2020, who had multiple loan spells to gain experience. Charlton, now under Nathan Jones, aim to build on their momentum since promotion. Charlton finished third in League One last season, earning a place in the Championship via play-offs. Meanwhile, QPR ended the campaign 18th in the Championship, narrowly avoiding relegation.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR CHARLTON AND KELMAN?

Kelman is anticipated to join Charlton’s pre-season training right away and could feature in their opening Championship fixture. Charlton’s first league game is against last season’s runners-up, Coventry City, who were only six points ahead of them in the League One table. This match poses a stern challenge as Charlton aim to establish themselves back in the Championship. With Kelman on board, Charlton hope his goals will propel them towards a stable mid-table finish or playoff contention, while QPR seeks reinvest in pursuit of league stability.