Charlton Athletic are set for the free-agent signing of Tennai Watson, as reported by Pete O’Rourke via Twitter.
The former MK Dons and Reading midfielder is reportedly close to joining the ranks at the Valley, with the Addicks still searching for a manager after parting ways with manager Dean Holden earlier this week. Stockport County manager Dave Challinor had been strongly linked with the vacant post over the past 24 hours. However, as reported by The Real EFL in an exclusive, Challinor has rejected a move to the Valley and opted to stay with the League Two side.
Early on Thursday, Richard Cawley took to Twitter to identify the areas it looked like Charlton were looking to strengthen in, with right-back being one of the positions on that list, as well as a striker and a central defender.
The defender spent last season with MK Dons, making 30 appearances in League One, as the club were ultimately relegated to League Two. With the 26-year-old’s contract running out with the club, it was announced he would be leaving following their relegation. Charlton were one of the clubs named in a report by Football League World back in July, with Championship sides Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town linked with a move for Watson.
Watson has spent much of his career in League One, with spells with Coventry City, AFC Wimbledon and MK Dons on loan from Reading before he joined the Dons permanently in the summer of 2021. The defender also made 43 appearances in the Premier League 2 with Reading’s under-21 team.
Writer’s View
Watson is a highly-rated defender, and it seems he values himself above League Two, having never played at a level below the third tier. The versatile wing-back fits the criteria of what Charlton are looking for in this transfer window. However, with no manager, it could be that he does not fit the system when a new manager does come in.
