Nathaniel Chalobah signs a one year deal

Charlton Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of experienced midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah.

The 31-year-old, who featured in the Addicks’ pre-season friendlies against Colchester United and Reading, has penned a one-year contract to become Nathan Jones’ sixth summer signing following the additions of Ivan Mesík, Billy Koumetio, Karlan Grant, Danny McNamara and Millenic Alli.

After putting pen to paper following a successful trial period, Chalobah said: "I’m really happy to be here. I’ve been training for a while now with the boys and it’s a good group of lads. I’m just glad the season’s about to start and we can get down to business.

"I’m looking to bring my experience not only to the young players, but to everyone in the building really to see if we can achieve something together."

Manager Nathan Jones commented: "We’re delighted to add Nathaniel, who has been with us for a few weeks now. He’s showed a real desire to want to come to the club. He has a wealth of experience at Championship level and higher and comes with real, real pedigree.

"We want to evolve so we need to add certain things and he brings quality, real technical ability and experience that will only help the team and a lot of our younger players."

Managing Director James Rodwell added: "We're delighted to sign Nathaniel. He brings valuable experience, having made more than 270 appearances across the Premier League, Serie A and Championship, while also possessing the technical quality that has enabled him to perform consistently at such a high level.

"Strengthening the midfield has been a key objective for us, and Nathaniel adds real quality and depth in that area. Having spent the last few weeks with the group, he's settled in well, and we're excited to see the impact he can make as we continue to build and evolve heading into our second season back at this level."

Chalobah joined Chelsea’s academy at the age of 10 and progressed through the ranks at Cobham to earn his first professional deal in January 2012 before captaining the Blues to FA Youth Cup glory later that year.

After being rewarded with a five-year contract in the summer of 2013, he gained valuable senior experience during loan spells with Watford, Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough, Burnley, Reading and Napoli, where he played Europa League football.

The midfielder would then go on to enjoy permanent stays at Watford, Fulham, West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday, where he made a further 235 appearances across the top-two tiers of English football.

Chalobah has also earned international recognition, representing England at both youth and senior level.