'Deal Done': Charlton Athletic beat Leicester City and Ipswich Town to major Championship transfer coup

Charlton Athletic have beaten Championship rivals Leicester City and Ipswich Town to the signing of Birmingham City striker Lyndon Dykes with the London outfit confirming the completed transfer on Thursday afternoon.

The 30-year-old, who has 177 Championship appearances and 37 goals to his name, has completed a permanent transfer to The Valley. Dykes joins from Birmingham City, having spent a season-and-a-half at St Andrew’s.

Dykes had failed to cement a role in the starting XI under Chris Davies in the Championship, having helped the team to promotion last term. The Scotland international harbours World Cup hopes for the summer and had been linked with a move away to find more minutes.

Charlton Athletic confirm second January signing

The 72 had named Leicester City and Ipswich Town as potential suitors for Dykes, alongside Charlton Athletic. The Addicks had interest reported earlier this month but hopes of a deal appeared to have taken a blow given that the Foxes and Tractor Boys both hold promotion hopes.

It’s therefore a major coup for Charlton Athletic to confirm that Dykes has joined the club. The striker has previously represented QPR in the Championship, having spent four years on the books at Loftus Road.

Charlton Athletic confirmed that the forward had signed a short-term deal until the end of the 2025/26 campaign. He becomes the club’s second signing of the January window following the arrival of Harry Clarke on loan from Ipswich Town.

Nathan Jones welcomes Lyndon Dykes transfer

Speaking to the club, Dykes said: “I'm super pleased and I can't wait to get going. It's going to be really exciting for myself and my family, and I think there's going to be good times to come.”

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has also welcomed the signing. Dykes will provide competition for fellow former QPR striker Charlie Kelman, who was purchased by the Addicks last summer.

Kelman failed to score in his first 12 Championship outings for the club before finding the net in a 1-1 draw with Swansea City. A period on the sidelines with an injury followed for Kelman, who returned in late December and bagged a brace in his last league outing against Blackburn Rovers.

Speaking about the arrival of Dykes, Jones said: “We’re delighted to bring Lyndon to the club. He’s a big, physical striker who works hard, scores goals and brings plenty of Championship experience, giving us another strong option in attack.”

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