St Johnstone have agreed a deal to bring in Charlton Athletic defender Zach Mitchell on loan for the remainder of the season, as revealed by Football Insider.
The 20-year-old centre-back is set to undergo a medical after travelling to Scotland, with the two clubs finalising terms for the temporary switch. Mitchell becomes the latest addition in St Johnstone’s winter transfer window as they look to turn around their struggling campaign.
Regular Football the Key for Mitchell
Mitchell spent last season on loan at Colchester United, where he made 23 League Two appearances before returning to Charlton in the summer. Despite being part of the first-team squad at The Valley, opportunities have been limited this season, with only four senior appearances to his name—just two of them from the start.
With game time proving hard to come by under Nathan Jones, the young defender is eager to play regularly, and a move to the Scottish Premiership is seen as a vital step in his development.
Defensive Concerns for Struggling Saints
St Johnstone currently sit bottom of the Scottish Premiership table with just 21 points from 25 matches, prompting a wave of January reinforcements to help steady the ship. Mitchell is set to become their fourth defensive signing of the window, following the arrivals of centre-back Daniels Balodis, right-back Sam Curtis, and goalkeeper Andy Fisher.
Additionally, the Saints have moved to strengthen their midfield with the signings of Jonathan Svedberg, Elliot Watt, and Victor Griffith.
Mitchell’s Career So Far
The young defender has been part of Charlton’s setup since his youth days, signing his first professional contract in 2022. He made his senior debut later that year in an EFL Trophy victory over Brighton & Hove Albion U21s and featured in the FA Cup shortly after.
In October 2024, Mitchell extended his contract with Charlton until 2027, with the club retaining an option for a further year. While the Addicks see him as a potential first-team player in the future, his loan move to St Johnstone offers a chance for him to gain much-needed experience at a higher level.
Writer’s View
St Johnstone’s defensive struggles have been evident this season, so adding a promising young centre-back like Mitchell is a logical move. While he is still developing, his experience in England’s lower leagues could provide valuable stability for the Saints. If he adapts quickly to the demands of Scottish football, this could be a smart signing that benefits both player and club.