There will be goodbyes aplenty in the next few weeks at clubs up and down the land, as the search for new recruits begins ahead of the next campaign, with August sure to be here before we know it.
After determining who they wanted to stay at The Valley for the next season, Charlton Athletic moved quickly. Eight players are scheduled to depart the club this summer when their contracts expire.
One of them is versatile defender Terell Thomas. A League One competitor who was heavily in need of his services earlier in the season is probably going to be alerted to this news.
Wigan Athletic could benefit from Charlton Athletic Terell Thomas situation
Thomas will depart the Addicks this summer along with players such as Michael Hector, Diallang Jaiyesimi, Jack Payne, and Connor Wickham. Manager Nathan Jones has determined that the foursome is surplus to needs.
Since joining Athletic in February, the Welshman has overhauled the team. In his first transfer window as manager, he plans to replace several veteran players with new hires during the off-season.
Thomas, who departed for Wigan Athletic years ago and returned to his boyhood club in September 2022 after making over 50 appearances in his two seasons in South London, will have an emotional farewell.
The defender has a plethora of experience that any prospective suitor this summer may draw from, having played for a variety of clubs across the EFL, including AFC Wimbledon, Crewe Alexandra, and Reading. His performances this year have shown he still has the talent.
After a promising start to the season, Barnsley is reportedly keeping an eye on the defender’s progress, while former team Wigan was said to be interested in bringing him back to the team during the most recent January transfer window.
Having played in 40 League One games in 23/24, Thomas has been used all over the backfield this season, occasionally playing at full back in addition to his regular position at centre back.
Wigan Athletic potential departures this summer pave the way for Thomas recruitment
Shaun Maloney is another manager facing another summer of upheaval with the Latics, and the 41-year-old will need to bolster his backline with six defenders set to leave the club.
Athletic have relied heavily on loan stars to fill the gaps at the back this campaign, with Charlie Goode and Liam Morrison set to return to Brentford and Bayern Munich respectively, while Kell Watts will go back to Newcastle United and Luke Chambers, Liverpool.
Tom Pearce and Jason Kerr appear to be the only players on permanent contracts still at the DW Stadium, despite Kerr’s declaration that he wants to play with the team into the summer.
If the aforementioned stars do depart, then Charlie Hughes, a talented young player, will be the lone centre defender in the team, with Sean Clare and Steven Sessegnon playing full back positions.
A player like Thomas might fit right back into the town he temporarily called home, especially with a stripped-down roster. He would be seeking to build on his eight appearances for the club during his early career year in Lancashire.
