Following in the footsteps of Brian De Keersmaecker, Ivan Mesik is also leaving for the English Championship. Heracles Almelo sells the 25-year-old Slovakian defender to Charlton Athletic FC.

Mesik has signed a contract for four seasons. Heracles receives a fee. As usual, no announcements will be made about the amount. The defender was still under contract with Heracles until mid-2028.

A good deal for the Almelo club. He picked up Mesik two years ago from Pescara in the Italian Serie C. Together with teammate Lorenzo Milani, who did not make a convincing impression at Heralces. Mesik succeeded very well.

He played 71 games for Heracles and scored three goals. He also managed to select himself for the Slovakian selection.

Mesik was examined last weekend at the London club and completed all the formalities regarding his transfer on Monday. Charlon ended last season as the number 19 in the Championship.

Reaction Mesik:

In Heracles' press release, the departer says the following: "I am very happy with this step, but I also realize that I could not have made it without Heracles. In Almelo I had the best period of my career so far. I want to thank my teammates and the members of the staff for their help and the fact that I felt like a valued member of the selection from day one."

Mesik continues: "The support from the fans was also great, every game. Thanks to all those factors, I was able to grow as a person in the past two years and make the step I can now take as a footballer."

"Last season didn't go as expected, but I'm convinced that Heracles Almelo will return to the Eredivisie. Wherever the club belongs. Preferably in the new season. I crossed my fingers for that!"

Faber on Mesik:

Technical director Ernest Faber is full of praise for Mesik. "Ivan has always distinguished himself with his professionalism, mentality and full commitment to Heracles Almelo. This transfer is a great step in his career and an opportunity that he wanted to take advantage of."