Charlton Athletic: Raiding Lincoln City can secure double promotion boost for Nathan Jones - View | OneFootball

Charlton Athletic are on the lookout for at least one new goalkeeper during the summer transfer window, according to Richard Cawley.

The Addicks struggled defensively throughout a disappointing season that saw them finish 16th in League One. Charlton only kept five clean sheets all season, two of which came during Nathan Jones' sixteen games in charge, ranking them 23rd in League One.

Ashley Maynard-Brewer and Harry Isted, who was injured for part of the season, competed for the gloves over the course of the campaign. After the appointment of Jones in February, Isted started in all sixteen of Charlton's remaining League One fixtures.

Maynard-Brewer played 25 games, conceded 41 goals, and kept two clean sheets, while Isted played 21 games, conceded 24 goals and kept three clean sheets. Neither goalkeeper inspired much confidence in an already shaky defence, so it is no surprise to see that Jones is in the market 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's Jensen would be a great signing

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 stands at six feet and six inches tall, has also played in the EFL during loan spells with Carlisle United and Accrington Stanley.

Lincoln's Jensen was only beaten by a stunning strike from on-loan Charlton striker Freddie Ladapo when the sides played out a 1-1 draw at The Valley in February, a game that saw Jones collect his first point for the Addicks in his first home game as manager.

Signing Jensen would be a real statement of intent from the Addicks, however, there will no doubt be plenty of interest from clubs in League One and the Championship once the transfer window opens in the summer.

Alternative options for the Addicks

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 kept 13 clean sheets on loan at Leyton Orient this term, could potentially be available this summer. The 23-year-old could be a viable option, but he is under contract until 2026.

Lastly, Crawley Town's Corey Addai has impressed in League Two this season. The former Arsenal youngster will be available on a free transfer once his contract expires following Crawley's play-off campaign.

There are other options out there but Jensen looks the ideal fit - not least because it would weaken 2024/25 promotion hopefuls Lincoln as well as strengthening Jones' side.