Charlton Athletic star labelled 'massive threat' by Nigel Adkins becomes free agent

Charlton Athletic striker Chuks Aneke is set to leave the club this summer, marking the end of his second spell at The Valley.

The 31-year-old first moved to the Addicks in 2019 and spent two seasons at the club, scoring 15 League One goals over the 2020/21 campaign. Aneke then followed former manager Lee Bowyer to Birmingham City in the Championship but rejoined Charlton Athletic a year later.

In total, the former England under-19 international has made 138 appearances for the Addicks, scoring 27 goals. He only played a fringe part under Nathan Jones this season as the London outfit achieved promotion to the Championship via the League One play-offs, scoring just one goal.

Chuks Aneke leaves Charlton Athletic

That striker was an important one for the Addicks, earning a point in a 1-1 draw against Rotherham in September. Aneke came off the bench in the play-off semi-final second leg against Wycombe Wanderers at The Valley and was also handed a nine minute cameo in the 1-0 win over Leyton Orient at Wembley Stadium.

In a message on the club’s player update, Jones said: "We would like to thank every departing player for their professionalism and commitment throughout their time at Charlton Athletic. They have all played a big part in the environment and culture that we have been able to create, which has ultimately got us promoted to the Championship."

Aneke played under several managers during his time at Charlton Athletic. He was signed by Bowyer and then featured under Nigel Adkins. The striker was brought back to the club by Johnnie Jackson and then featured under Ben Garner, Dean Holden, Michael Appleton and Jones.

When signing the player, Jackson said: “I am delighted to have Chuks back at the club, he is someone I know really well having worked with him previously, he is someone I was really keen to work with again. We all know his qualities and what he can bring to the squad. Bringing in a player that can score goals was something we were looking at and Chuks is someone that can come in and help with that and provide."

Nigel Adkins: Aneke is ‘great to watch’

The bagsman cultivated a reputation as a super sub while at the club. In May 2021, after coming on to inspire a 3-1 win over Lincoln City with a second half goal and assist, former Addicks manager Adkins said: “That’s what he was brought on to do. He’s so great at making an impact. It was a risk but one we had to take. I think he has 14 goals this season now, it’s a great return.

“He should be playing 90 minutes of football. He is a massive threat. He is great to watch. It's great he has contributed and hopefully he can contribute again, because the season is still alive. I’ve had to take him off at the end to stop him from getting sent off!”

Aneke was shown a red card this season, in the 4-0 win against Wycombe Wanderers, which saw his suspended for the final two games of the league campaign and the first match of the play-offs. That was a controversial decision at the time and one criticised by Jones and the club appealed the decision, which was not successful.

In other news, QPR look to deal Sheffield United transfer blow as Charlton Athletic linked with 'influential' free agent.