According to the Express, League One outfit Charlton Athletic are eyeing a move for 22-year-old Hungarian international Mihaly Kata.
Currently playing his football in his home nation at MTK Budapest, Kata has made 147 appearances in all competitions for his hometown side. His performances in the Hungarian league have caught the attention of National team manager Marco Rossi, as he has made his debut for Hungary, coming off the bench against Serbia in European Qualifiers. He has since gone on to make two further substitute appearances for his country, as well as being part of Hungary’s 2024 Euro squad.
Kata has also attracted interest from England, with both Premier League side Southampton and League One side Charlton holding interest in the 22-year-old. However, the Saints’ interest in the player has seemingly stalled with the side being promoted back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
The Addicks are looking to add more midfield depth to their squad, letting the likes of Jack Payne, George Dobson and Conor McGrandles all leave in this transfer window to pastures new. However, the South-East London-based club has so far brought in midfield cover in the window, with Greg Docherty joining from Hull City and Luke Berry linking up with manager Nathan Jones after his release from Luton Town. Berry and Docherty link up with an already good midfield, with the likes of Conor Coventry, Karoy Anderson and Scott Fraser already being a part of Jones’ 2024/25 squad.
This isn’t the first time Charlton have had links to Hungarian football, with the aforementioned ex-Charlton captain Dobson almost completing a move to MTK Budapest’s rivals in Fehervar, with ex-defender Terell Thomas also attracting interest from Fehervar at one stage, according to Pete O’Rouke. Dobson’s move fell through at the eleventh hour and Thomas joined League Two side Carlisle United.
The Express also states that multiple clubs have made offers to MTK Budapest for Kata this summer, but none have matched the club’s valuation for the 22-year-old so far.
Writer’s View
Manager Jones seemingly feels like he needs extra bodies in midfield for this upcoming League One season. Given the strength of the league, if the Addicks aim to push for promotion, they will need as many players as they can bring in. Charlton are under new ownership in the form of SE7 Partners, a company run by former Sunderland executive director Charlie Methven. There is no doubt that Methven is financially backing Jones, with the signings of Josh Edwards, Alex Mitchell, Matty Godden and Gassan Ahadme, four players who have all moved to The Valley for undisclosed fees.
From Kata’s perspective, leaving his hometown club may prove to be tough, however, a potential move to England could be the next step up in his career. Although it is to a team in the third division, the strength of the English football pyramid alongside the fact many Championship and League One talents have had opportunities to prove themselves in the Premier League, on a much bigger stage, might be enough to draw the 22-year-old away from his home country.
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