Charlton Athletic are closing in on the signing of Peterborough United centre-forward Jonson Clarke-Harris, as revealed by the South London Press.
The 29-year-old, who came close to sealing a move to Bristol Rovers during the summer transfer window, has gone on to score ten goals in 24 appearances for Peterborough this season, including six in 17 matches in League One.
Darren Ferguson’s side are chasing promotion back to the Championship and currently sit third in England’s third tier, merely four points behind top-of-the-league Portsmouth and two off the automatic promotion spots. However, the club look set to lose an important squad player this winter.
The South London Press are reporting that Charlton and Peterborough United have agreed a £500,000 fee for the experienced frontman. Still, the Addicks must now agree personal terms with the Jamaica international.
Clarke-Harris’ contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign, meaning he could have left London Road for free in six months, but it looks as though the Posh will earn some money for his departure.
This report was further backed up by journalist Darren Witcoop who revealed that the deal was edging closer to completion despite interest from League Two outfit Wrexham. However, Witcoop claimed that the price is £450,000 rather than £500,000.
Jonson Clarke Harris to Charlton edging closer. Interest from Wrexham but looks like the Peterborough striker is now heading to The Valley for a fee of around £450,000. #cafc #WrexhamAFC
— Darren Witcoop (@DarrenOWitcoop) January 6, 2024
It will be interesting to see what role Clarke-Harris plays under Charlton head coach Michael Appleton as the club signed Alfie May before the season commenced, who is now the joint-top scorer in League One with 15 goals.
Writer’s View
It’s difficult to see Clarke-Harris wanting to move to The Valley to act as a backup centre-forward to one of the most potent centre-forwards in the league. Given Appleton primarily uses a 4-3-3, he will have to rotate between May and the incoming striker.
However, there is also a chance that the manager is eyeing up a potential formation switch, allowing him to fit both May and Clarke-Harris into the same side, which could change Charlton’s fortunes for the better this season.
Deputy Head of Writing
