Charlton Athletic are looking to add Galatasaray’s newly released centre-back, Mathias Ross, on a free deal this summer. The Addicks are set to combat two named Championship sides for this signature.
A Not-So-Friendly Face
Unfortunately for Charlton, one of those heavily involved sides are Preston North End. The Lilywhites have already caused some upset for The Valley’s occupiers so far this window. Thierry Small was poached on a four-year deal and frustratingly for Nathan Jones, Odel Offiah opted for Paul Heckingbottom’s rebuild rather than Athletic.
Charlton recently announced the acquisition of Amari’i Bell from Luton Town – on a free transfer. The left-sided centre-back can provide a versatile profile for the Addicks, with the 31-year-old’s equal ability as a left-back. Alongside this purchase, Sonny Carey, Tanto Olaofe and Thomas Kaminski – also from Luton – have been brought to The Valley ahead of an important survival-attempting season.
Career So Far
Ross, who featured in four Champions League matches last season, spent the campaign on a loan deal with Sparta Prague. The Czech outfit handed the 24-year-old just 17 appearances across all competitions despite a European involvement that contributed one goal. 11 league appearances and two cup outings culminated in a fairly unsuccessful spell with Sparta. Upon the defender’s return to Turkey, a mutual termination was decided on, despite the Dane’s contract still including one remaining year.
The Danish defender’s most appealing career spell is the 100-game stint with boyhood club AaB in the Superligaen. This duration of four years between 2018 and 2022 impressed Galatasaray enough back then to launch a move which eventually saw Ross play just twice, scoring one goal in the Turkish Cup. A 2023/24 loan spell with NEC Nijmegen returned the defender to somewhat consistent minutes with 21 appearances in the Eredivisie.
The Third Interested Side
According to Pete O’Rourke, Millwall are the third interested party, which could cause a great battle for Ross’ signature considering his availability as a free agent. The Lions have already spent big on Josh Coburn. A price tag of over £5 million has been linked with the cross-Championship transfer from Middlesbrough and a free deal with Burton Albion for Max Crocombe is their only other confirmed move so far.
Writer’s View
Nathan Jones’ side has already recovered well from Small’s switch to North End, notably with the immediate signature of Bell. The addition of Ross would greatly strengthen their back line ahead of an important Championship return.
The international experience at youth level, as well as in the top flights of the Czech Republic, Denmark and the Netherlands, will be an appealing factor for the second division sides and a free deal would come with plenty of experience. Despite a few spells being interrupted with injuries and a lack of game time, Charlton could help Ross return to his impressive early form at AaB.
