"Massive blow" - Carlton Palmer sends Miles Leaburn contract warning to Charlton Athletic | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has told FLW his verdict on the contract situation surrounding Charlton Athletic's Miles Leaburn

Carlton Palmer has warned Charlton Athletic that they will have to consider cashing in on Miles Leaburn in January if he does not sign a new contract.

The 20-year-old has missed the start of the new season due to suffering a hamstring injury last year that required surgery.

His last appearance for the Addicks came in November of 2023, playing 13 times in League One before his season was cut short (all stats from Fbref).

It was reported by London News Online last year that Chelsea, Brentford and Aston Villa all had an interest in the youngster, with a £3 million bid from a foreign club also being rejected by Charlton.

It’s hoped that Leaburn will return to action soon, but there is concern about his future due to the player now being in the final year of his contract.

Carlton Palmer makes Miles Leaburn future claim

Palmer believes that it would be a big blow to Charlton’s promotion hopes if Leaburn was sold midway through the season.

However, he feels it may be their only option if he does not sign a new deal in order for the third tier side to earn a fee for his departure.

“Charlton Athletic are looking to get promotion under Nathan Jones but there’s a lot of interest in Miles Leaburn in recent years,” Palmer told Football League World.

“They reportedly rejected a £3 million offer from a foreign club last summer. The likes of Chelsea, Brentford, and Aston Villa are believed to have been interested as well at points.

“Of course, if you’re wanting to get promotion, which is what Nathan Jones wants to do this season, they have to keep hold of the players.

“Again, he’s down to the last year of his contract, so I think it’s important that they get him to sign a new contract.

“It protects the club in terms of asking for a fee, and how they’ve allowed him to get down to the last year of his contract is beyond me.

“Maybe that’s all the shenanigans behind the scenes, with different owners and everything moving on.

“But it’s imperative that they get him tied down because, obviously, there are going to be suitors for him, especially if he’s going to have another good season for Charlton, and they do well.

“If he doesn’t sign a new contract, then it’s highly likely that they’re going to have to move him on in the January transfer window, and try and get some money for him with his contract expiring in the summer.

“And that would be a massive blow for them, cause he’s a handful, he’s big, he’s athletic, he’s direct, it’s exactly what you need in League One.

“I’m sure they will be working behind the scenes to tie him down to a new deal.”

Miles Leaburn’s importance to Charlton

Leaburn has come through the academy system at Charlton and has earned his way into the first team squad.

Injury has kept him out of action for almost a whole calendar year, but it is hoped he will return to action soon.

The club has confirmed that he is back playing with the U21 side as he continues his recovery to full fitness.

The Addicks will be hoping to fight for promotion this year, meaning Leaburn’s return to the squad will be especially welcome.

Leaburn contract situation is tricky for Charlton

Charlton have very little control over the situation surrounding Leaburn at this stage.

Their best bet is to make a contract offer that can convince him to stay at the Valley beyond this year.

However, if he is still attracting such big transfer interest then it will be difficult for him to turn that down.

This is why clubs will always look to avoid letting important players run down their contracts because there’s just not a whole lot they can do now to turn around their position.