Charlton Athletic have signed Blackpool midfielder Sonny Carey on a free transfer.
The newly-promoted Championship outfit are looking to add to their squad to prepare for the 2025/26 campaign under manager Nathan Jones, in what will be their first season in the Championship since the 2019/20 season.
Out-of-contract Carey, whose deal with the Tangerines expires at the end of the month, is the Addicks’ first signing, with the 24-year-old rejecting a new contract at Bloomfield Road in order to join Charlton.
Blackpool confirmed in their retained list that the club were in contract discussions with the Englishman over a new contract; however, with a second-tier side interested in his services, it was always likely that he was going to step up a level.
Sonny Carey’s Career So Far
Norwich-born Carey came through the youth ranks at local side Norwich City, before moving to Non-league sides Wroxham and King’s Lynn Town, before joining Blackpool for a six-figure fee in 2021.
Since moving to Bloomfield Road, the 24-year-old has made 133 appearances in all competitions for the Tangerines, providing 23 goals and assists from midfield.
Last season, in 37 appearances, Carey has registered 11 goals, from both the cenr-old is keen to make his mark in the window, and a move for one of League One’s best, yet underrated, midfielders is certainly a strong start to what will be a long window.tre midfield, left midfield, left wing and centre forward positions, showcasing his versatility, as well as his natural eye for goal.
Busy Window for Charlton Athletic
Whilst the London-based side experienced a good season last season, achieving promotion from the third tier via the play-offs, they certainly won’t want to experience relegation in their first season back in the second tier.
With five players leaving at the end of their contracts, alongside the fact that two crucial loanees have returned to their parent clubs, Jones is left with 24 first-team players under contract. However, some of the out-of-favour players will likely move on, freeing up more squad space to bring in higher-quality players.
Much like many other clubs up and down the EFL, Charlton need to get this transfer window spot on if they want to avoid the same fate as last season, whilst also pushing on in the Championship.
High Praise From Nathan Jones
When talking to the club website, manager Jones said:
“Sonny Carey is a player I’ve known for a while. He’s done well at Blackpool, he’s had a few seasons in the Championship and finished last season strongly.
“He’s 24 years of age, so has plenty of scope to improve, he’s athletic, he’s a ball-carrier, he can create, he can score, so those things add to what we’ve already got here. We always want our midfielders to chip in [with goals], our midfielders this year have, and we want to add that competition and keep moving forward as a team and as a group. As a club, we believe we’re moving forward, he can contribute to that, and we believe he has the attributes to play for Charlton Athletic.”
Writer’s View
A player like Carey is certainly a safe option to sign on a free transfer. Impressive in the third tier, and available on a cut-price deal, it’s no wonder Charlton were keen to get him to the Valley on a free transfer.
For Blackpool, it’s a massive loss to their midfield, and although they’ve made some impressive signings in defence, they now will need to look for Carey’s replacement, a player who will have big boots to fill.
