Last week raised the mood and hope of every Charlton fan. Three new signings and a new long term contract for a fans’ favourite certainly showed that the club mean business in preparation for the new season.

Since signing on a free transfer in last summer’s transfer window, Johann Berg Gudmundsson has established himself as one of our most creative and exciting players of recent times. Although sometimes he frustratingly drifts out of games, he was the person who often lifted the team and the fans alike in which was an up and down season for the Addicks.

He won the goal of the season for his magnificent strike against Cardiff and his goal started the resurgence of Guy Luzon’s side which the stunning free kick against Brentford. Labelled by Luzon as the ‘Icelandic David Beckham’, it was the main priority of the summer for the club and it’s fans to sort out a new contract for the talented winger. When he signed a new four year contract last Wednesday, the club was fuelled with optimism heading into the new season.

Last week also saw the arrivals of three new players to the squad. Ahmed Kashi, Cristian Ceballos and Zakarya Bergdich were the latest newcomers to SE7.

Kashi is a central midfielder who is known for his passionate style of play on the pitch. His crunching tackle within the first 30 seconds of his debut showed to the supporters what to expect ahead of the new season.
Ceballos and Bergdich arrived on Thursday and took the summer additions tally to six. Ceballos arrived on a free transfer having previously played for Spurs as an attacking midfielder. A ex-Barcelona trainee, the fans hailed this signing as a show of intent and someone who could slot straight in to the starting XI.

Bergdich claimed that he had been watched by Luzon for a couple of years and turned down offers from Premiership clubs to join the Addicks. A left-back who likes to get forward, Bergdich will fight with Morgan Fox for the starting berth.

All three signings have potential to be vital additions and last week may have been the catalyst for an inspired season for the reds.

By Joseph Eves

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