Shrewsbury Town have signed striker Chuks Aneke on a free transfer, reuniting the forward with head coach Michael Appleton.
The 32-year-old arrives after leaving Charlton Athletic in the summer, adding proven EFL experience to Town’s attacking options.
Appleton reunion and instant remit
Aneke links up with Appleton for a second time following their stint together at Charlton, with the forward highlighting the relationship as a key factor in the move. He also set out what supporters can expect from his game, focusing on end product and influence in the final third.
“I worked with the gaffer at Charlton and we had a good time there, got to know each other and he got in contact… I like to score goals, I like to get assists, I like to be creative, and I like to influence games.”
For Appleton, the signing offers a different profile to lead the line: physical presence, link play and penalty-box nous. With a demanding League Two schedule ahead, Aneke’s ability to occupy centre-backs and bring runners into play should complement the existing options and give Town a late-game focal point when chasing results.
Career track and what he adds
Aneke came through Arsenal’s academy and made his senior debut in the League Cup in 2011 before productive loans at Stevenage, Preston North End and Crewe Alexandra. A two-year spell with Zulte Waregem in Belgium broadened his experience, and he returned to England with MK Dons in 2016, scoring 30 league goals in 84 appearances. Moves to Charlton and Birmingham City followed, with the forward tallying 27 goals across two spells at The Valley.
That CV underlines a forward comfortable as both finisher and facilitator. At MK Dons he thrived when runners worked off his hold-up play; at Charlton he often impacted games from the bench, changing tempo and pinning defenders to create space for team-mates. If Town supply service into feet and the box, Aneke’s first touch and strength should translate quickly at this level.
Beyond the headline numbers, his calm in tight areas is valuable for game management. Appleton has spoken previously about wanting control in decisive moments, and a forward who can secure possession, win fouls and bring midfielders up the pitch fits that brief. Fitness will be monitored given previous injury breaks, but a managed workload could maximise his influence through the autumn and winter.
Writer’s View
This is a sensible, low-risk addition with clear upside. Appleton knows exactly how to use Aneke, the player understands the demands of the manager, and Town gain a forward who can change the feel of a match with hold-up play or a single chance.
If service levels are consistent and minutes are managed, Aneke’s experience should turn narrow contests in Shrewsbury’s favour and lift the goal threat at a crucial stage of the season.
