What Harvey Knibbs said about becoming a Charlton Athletic player after Reading FC deal agreed | OneFootball

The new Addicks man has taken to social media to say how he feels about his move to The Valley.

Charlton Athletic have confirmed the signing of Harvey Knibbs from Reading, and the new Addicks man has taken to social media to say how he feels about his move to The Valley.

The newly promoted Championship side are being aggressive in the transfer market this summer in order to ensure Nathan Jones's squad is equipped with the quality to survive in the second tier.

With the signing of Knibbs - which was confirmed on Friday - Charlton have now added nine new players to the squad this summer.

Knibbs has reportedly cost Charlton a 'significant seven-figure fee', and is arriving fresh off the back of a 16-goal 24/25 season in all competitions.

Harvey Knibbs' first words as a Charlton Athletic player

Having signed for Reading in the summer of 2023 after four strong years with Cambridge United, Knibbs established himself as one of the best players in League One during his time in Berkshire.

The 26-year-old finished last season as the Royals' top scorer with 14 league goals, whilst also bagging 11 in the third tier in 23/24, and so the attack-minded midfielder will inevitably be a significant blow for Noel Hunt's side.

However, he's certainly earned the opportunity to test himself at Championship level, and in his first message to Charlton supporters, he seems ready to give it his best shot.

Speaking via his X account, Knibbs said: "Anyone who knows me knows how much this means to me and what I’ve put into it. Extremely grateful to sign for a club with the history and ambition of @cafcofficial.

"Can’t wait to get started, give everything I’ve got, and help continue what’s already being built."

Knibbs looks like an excellent signing for Charlton Athletic

It remains to be seen how Charlton will set themselves up tactically in the Championship, with Jones deploying variations of three and four-at-the-back systems in League One last season.

However, with Alex Gilbert returning to parent club Middlesbrough after a loan spell that saw him grab four assists in 12 regular season appearances for the Addicks, Knibbs could be a natural replacement for him in the side.

With the arrivals of Charlie Kelman, Rob Apter, Sonny Carey and Tanto Olaofe respectively, adding Knibbs to the Addicks attack could really sharpen their cutting edge.

The former Reading star is a highly versatile operator, capable of playing pretty much anywhere across the forward line, offering Jones a Swiss Army Knife-type player that he can deploy in a whole variety of roles and positions.

Of course, what the club are also doing making the sort of signings such as Kelman, Carey, Apter, Olaofe and now Knibbs respectively, is that should the worst happen and they do suffer relegation back to League One next season, then they will be taking a number of players with them who have already proven themselves to be top-quality players at that level.

Therefore, not only are Charlton adding players who have earned their chance to shine in the Championship, but can be integral to an immediate return to the second tier in 26/27 should that be where the club is at.