Following an underwhelming League One campaign from Charlton Athletic, one positive has emerged for the Addicks. A long-term contract has been offered to Thierry Small in an attempt to further his stay at the Valley.
The 19-year-old signed for Charlton on a free transfer in February 2024, following his departure from Championship giants Southampton, and has made 14 league appearances since his arrival. According to the South London Press, the club’s technical director Andy Scott has suggested that contact has already been made to sort a new deal for Small.
An option of a further year at the League One outfit had already been implemented into Small’s current contract, so if a deal cannot be struck this time around, Charlton will undoubtedly look to trigger this clause.
'Any time I play on the pitch for this club I will put my all into it and the fans are definitely going to see passion and hunger.' 🗣️
Thierry Small talks us through his debut goal, settling in and working with Nathan Jones again ⬇️#cafc pic.twitter.com/xhwP3nB5NF
— Charlton Athletic FC (@CAFCofficial) February 23, 2024
The ex-Everton defender has already hit the back of the net once and provided an assist in a very concerning campaign for Charlton Athletic. He looks to offer some much-needed attacking threat from the wide areas, especially in transitional play. Having clearly impressed the side’s technical director, there will be a resilient effort this summer to keep the 19-year-old at the Valley for the foreseeable future.
Speaking to the South London Press, Scott said:
“I’ve had a couple of conversations with his agents and we’ve made him a new offer, a long-term deal that he and his agents are considering. If that doesn’t happen by the time we need to activate the option then we will activate it and continue those negotiations.
“Thierry will definitely be here next season and we’re delighted about that because he’s a fantastic person. We’re hopeful he will be here for a very long time. We’ve made him a contract offer that will enable him to have the time to settle down at a club – learn and improve.
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“He’s still only 19. People forget because he’s had a little of attention from a very young age but he is still only 19 and learning. He has a lot of ability and potential which we’re confident our staff can get the most out of him.
“We’re trying to secure him for as long as we can so that we’re the ones who benefit from it.”
Writer’s View
It’s clear that Small has impressed Charlton Athletic both on and off the pitch, which means the contract decision should come as no real shock to the 19-year-old. Considering the former England U18 international is still a teenager, his development at a League One side like Charlton will definitely harness his abilities in a way that won’t feel too strenuous or too demanding.
The insistence that Small will be at The Valley next year exemplifies the appreciation everyone has for the young defender and should inspire him to continue his impressive performances in a Charlton shirt as long as he remains there.