Football League World
·19 January 2024
In partnership with
Yahoo sportsFootball League World
·19 January 2024
League One outfit Charlton Athletic are now in "advanced talks" to sign Ipswich Town striker Freddie Ladapo, according to an update on X from Pete O'Rourke.
The Addicks are seemingly desperate to get a deal for a striker over the line before the January transfer window ends, having already addressed some other key positions.
Tyreeq Bakinson and Lewis Fiorini have both joined the club on loan - and more additions have followed since then.
Conor Coventry arrived as another midfield addition - but has joined permanently - and Macauley Gillesphy has also joined on a permanent basis with the defender making the move from Plymouth Argyle.
Despite these promising moves and a busy summer, it doesn't seem as though the Addicks are done in the transfer market just yet.
They are seemingly eyeing up Ladapo, who hasn't been a regular starter at Portman Road this term.
With George Hirst recently being ruled out of action with an injury, it previously looked as though Ladapo was going to be a real chance to shine for Kieran McKenna's side, but Kayden Jackson has come into the starting 11 ahead of him.
Others can also operate up top, including Nathan Broadhead, so the chances of Ladapo starting regularly between now and the end of the season appear slim.
The Addicks have seemingly been desperate to recruit a striker this month.
They have reportedly been chasing Peterborough United's Jonson Clarke-Harris, which is no surprise considering he's available and is a prolific goalscorer at this level.
Charlton were also believed to be keen on Will Goodwin - but Oxford United won the race for him in the end and this has left the Addicks needing to pursue alternative targets.
Ladapo seems to be the next man on their list and with the striker not starting regularly in Suffolk at this point, the third-tier side may feel they have a real chance of getting this deal over the line.
It would be a tough decision to make if Ladapo was offered the chance to join Charlton.
The Addicks are a big club and could potentially return to the Championship at some point.
However, they haven't been able to get near the promotion mix in recent seasons and risk being in the third tier for the long term.
Ladapo won't want to be stuck in the third tier considering the quality he has - and he's still getting some game time at Ipswich - who could be in the top flight at the end of the season.
The chance to win back-to-back promotions is exciting - and Ladapo should probably wait until the end of the season before potentially making a move.