Despite Charlton Athletic having a bid accepted for Dunfermline Athletic defender Josh Edwards, The Courier Sport have revealed that fellow League One side Bristol Rovers have likewise had their bid for the 24-year-old accepted. Both clubs are now set to hold talks with the Scotsman.
An unknown name in English football, Edwards has always applied his trade in his native Scotland. He’s progressed year-on-year and had quite the season in the Scottish Championship with Dunfermline.
Registering three goals and a further eight assists, Edwards was one of the standout players for James McPake’s side. His performances would help the Pars to a respectable sixth-placed finish in Scotland’s second tier, yet they would’ve probably still wanted more from the season.
It comes as no surprise to see Edwards being a wanted man this summer and he truly deserves to make a step-up. Although unproven both above the Scottish Championship and in the EFL, he’s an up-and-coming player who could become quite the asset for whoever gains his signature.
Rather versatile, Edwards can play anywhere down the left flank, pushing up into midfield or as part of a flat back four. That said versatility has certainly made clubs take a look and it seems as if it is now between Charlton and Bristol Rovers to gain his signature.
With 12 months left on his contract, a fee will be needed and it is unknown what Dunfermline’s asking price is. Transfermarkt value the defender at just over £210,000, yet he’ll probably be expected to go for more than that amount.
In The Courier Sport’s report, it is stated that both Charlton and Bristol Rovers have met the asking price for the 24-year-old, they’ll now be locked into a battle to gain his services.
Having finished the season strongly, which coincided with the appointment of Nathan Jones, perhaps the Addicks are the more attractive offer. The 2023/24 season, on the whole, did by no means go their way but they are a rather ambitious club who will be chasing promotion to the Championship.
A move to the EFL could take Edwards’ form up a level and he could become quite the asset at The Valley if he was to sign.
Writer’s View
Although there are some risks attached to the signing of Edwards, most notably the fact that he’s unproven in the EFL, he deserves what can be considered a step-up. At 24 there’s still plenty of potential for growth and he could reach new heights.
With both club’s having their respective bids accepted, it’s now all about who can give a more attractive offer. The direction that Charlton want to go in could be enough to tempt the versatile defender and it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see them win the race for his signature.
If everything falls into place in the forthcoming transfer window, expect the Addicks to push for a play-off spot, or potentially even further, next term.
