DONE DEAL | ADDICKS COMPLETE LOUIE WATSON LOAN

Charlton Athletic are delighted to announce the loan signing of ball-playing midfielder Louie Watson from Premier League outfit Luton Town.

The 22-year-old Republic of Ireland U21 international, who can operate in any position across the midfield line, joins for the rest of the 2023/24 season.

Watson, who becomes the Addicks’ ninth summer signing, was part of the Hatter’s successful Championship promotion campaign last season, making five appearances for Rob Edwards’ side.

After completing his move to Charlton, he said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be here. I can’t wait to get started and integrate with the boys. Charlton is a young, exciting team with high ambition which is going to suit me as an individual. I feel like I am going to suit the team with my attributes and I feel like the other lads’ attributes can suit me as well.”

Technical Director Andy Scott added: “Louie is a young player who left Derby and went to Luton and did very well. He has already made a number of appearances for Derby and has been involved with Luton’s first team.

“He is another player who is highly-regarded and their rise to the Premier League has given us this unique opportunity to get a young player with immense talent into our football club. Unfortunately we have had a number of injuries in our midfield area and so the acquisition of Louie will complement the group well and give us more strength in depth.”

Born in Croydon, Watson began his career at West Ham United before being snapped up by Derby in 2020.

Wayne Rooney handed the youngster his league debut in December 2020, introducing him as a second-half substitute in a 4-0 triumph over Birmingham City.

Watson would go on to make another 14 appearances for the Rams before earning a move to Luton in the summer of 2022.

Having previously represented England at U15 level, Watson has also made two appearances for Republic of Ireland’s U18s and five appearances for their U21s.

Charlton are back in action at The Valley on Saturday.

 

Zach Mitchell: Colchester sign Charlton defender on loan for rest of season

Colchester United have signed Charlton Athletic defender Zach Mitchell on loan for the rest of the season.

And he has so far made 11 senior appearances for the Addicks, the most recent in their Carabao Cup defeat by Newport County last month.

The U’s have also signed ex-Nottingham Forest forward Yassine En-Neyah, but sent him on loan to Maldon & Tiptree.

He spent part of last season with non-league Truro City, making 14 appearances.