What Charlton Athletic star did after play-off win amid Millwall and Blackburn Rovers transfer links

Charlton Athletic full-back Thierry Small remains the centre of transfer speculation ahead of his contract at The Valley expiring this summer with several Championship clubs linked with a move for the defender.

The 20-year-old has been with the Addicks since February 2024, having initially signed a short-term contract and then seeing a one-year extension triggered in his deal 12 months ago. Small has been a pivotal part of Nathan Jones’ side this season.

Small has racked up 48 appearances across all competitions and been one of the first names on the teamsheet. The former Everton and Southampton man started the League One play-off final against Leyton Orient on Sunday and played 68 minutes of the 1-0 win over the London rivals.

Charlton Athletic star helps Addicks to promotion

Earlier this month, Millwall, Preston North End and Oxford United were all touted as potential suitors for the player. In an update on that imminent transfer saga, Football League World added Blackburn Rovers to the list of clubs eyeing up a swoop for Small ahead of the play-off final.

It remains to be seen what Small’s decision is as to where he plays his football in the future but, if his reactions to the Charlton Athletic win at Wembley Stadium at full time are anything to go by, the rising star is very happy at the club.

Once the final whistle went, Small shared a huge embrace with manager Jones before showing his class as a sportsman by heading over to the Leyton Orient team to shake hands, missing out on the start of Addicks’ celebrations in front of fans at the other end. Having commiserated his opponents, Small then ran the length of the pitch to join the party in front of his fans.

Thierry Small linked with Millwall and Blackburn Rovers

The full-back was front and centre of those early Charlton Athletic celebrations, cheering, fist-pumping and applauding the Addicks faithful. While there was no symbolic kissing of the badge or any concrete clue as to the player’s future, he was the only player to go into the crowd and take one of the free flags handed to supporters. Small went on to wave the flag with the club crest as he continued his celebrations with a huge grin on his face.

Those actions will reassure Charlton Athletic supporters that the player is loving life at The Valley. The promise of Championship football next season is another huge boost to hopes of keeping Small at The Valley.

Jones did not want to bite when asked about Preston North End interest in the player last month. He said: “No contact from anyone. Part of my remit is to work with young players and develop young players to make them assets for the football club. There you go.”

The former England under-20 international has also remained tight-lipped on his future. Speaking earlier in 2025, having scored his first goal of the season in a 1-0 win over Shrewsbury Town at The Valley in a dramatic 96th minute winner, Small hinted that he would like to continue his progress at the club. He said: “It’s currently under negotiations and I’m just letting my agent deal with it. We will just see where it goes from there. I would love to stay.”

In other news, Charlton Athletic Player Ratings: 'Hero' 10/10 but 'error-prone' 6 as Leyton Orient beaten at Wembley.