Bringing in a new first-choice goalkeeper will be key for Charlton Athletic this summer.
The Addicks battled defensively throughout their disastrous season, finishing 16th in League One. Charlton only kept five clean sheets all season, two of which came during Nathan Jones’ sixteen games as manager, placing them 23rd in League One.
Ashley Maynard-Brewer and Harry Isted, who was injured for a portion of the season, battled for the gloves throughout the campaign. After Jones’ appointment in February, Isted started all sixteen of Charlton’s remaining League One games.
Maynard-Brewer played 25 games, conceding 41 goals and keeping two clean sheets; Isted played 21 games, conceding 24 goals and keeping three clean sheets. Neither custodian instilled much confidence in an already poor defence, so it’s no wonder that Jones is looking for a new number one.
Australian Maynard-Brewer, who came through Charlton’s academy after joining the club as a teenager, penned a new contract last year until 2026. Isted, who knows Jones from their time together at Luton Town, is contracted until 2025 after joining the club from the Hatters last summer.
Lincoln City’s Lukas Jensen has made a name for himself in League One this season, finishing with the joint-second best clean sheet record in the division as his side narrowly missed out on a play-off spot. As well as keeping 19 clean sheets, Jensen only conceded 39 goals in 45 appearances for the Imps.
Signing Jensen would not only improve Charlton’s starting XI but it would also weaken a promotion rival. The goalkeeper was a key figure in the Lincoln side that finished seventh last season under Michael Skubala.
The Imps will have promotion ambitions of their own next term and those would take a significant dent were they to lose their reliable number one.
The Danish shot-stopper, who is six feet and six inches tall, has previously played in the EFL on loan with Carlisle United and Accrington Stanley.
Lincoln’s Jensen was only beaten by a sensational shot from on-loan Charlton striker Freddie Ladapo in a 1-1 draw at The Valley in February, in which Jones earned his first point for the Addicks in his first home game as manager.
Signing Jensen would be a clear statement of commitment from the Addicks, but there will undoubtedly be plenty of interest from League One and Championship clubs when the transfer window opens in the summer.
If Charlton cannot bring Jensen to the club this summer, then they will have to look at alternatives.
Veteran Ben Hamer, who was part of the Charlton side that won League One with 101 points in 2011/12, is out of contract at Watford at the end of the season. At 36 years old, he could add some much-needed experience to the Addicks’ rearguard.
Cheltenham’s Luke Southwood is available on a free transfer this summer, although he did break his leg on the final day of the season. If his recovery goes smoothly, he will be a good option for League One clubs in need of a new goalkeeper.
Middlesbrough’s Sol Brynn, who had 13 clean sheets on loan at Leyton Orient this season, could become available this summer. The 23-year-old could be a realistic alternative, but his contract runs until 2026.
Finally, Crawley Town’s Corey Addai has performed admirably in League Two this season. When his contract with Crawley expires after the play-off campaign, the former Arsenal youth will be available for free transfer.
There are other choices, but Jensen appears to be the best fit, not least since it would harm Lincoln’s 2024/25 promotion hopes while bolstering Jones’ team.
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