League One outfit Charlton Athletic will be looking to enjoy a productive summer now they have Ben Garner in position at The Valley.

This is nothing short of a requirement if they are to have a much brighter campaign next term, with Conor Washington's departure a real blow for the third-tier side considering his goalscoring contributions to their cause in recent years.

Not only this, but Mason Burstow has now linked up with Chelsea and Akin Famewo has returned to Norwich City, with the duo and other previous loanees leaving considerable gaps in the Addicks' first-team squad.

 

 

That leaves Garner will plenty to do before the summer window closes at the start of September - and there's every chance they could be busy in the coming months after bringing in a considerable number of plays last year.

If a sufficient amount of depth is added to certain areas, there are players that would probably benefit from a loan spell away from The Valley with some likely to be pushed down the pecking order as others arrive.

With this in mind, we have picked out two players that may fit into that category as the transfer window continues to unfold in the coming days, weeks and months.

Deji Elerewe

18-year-old Elerewe made 11 appearances in all competitions last term and that can be considered a real achievement considering his age - but only three of these displays came in the league.

Famewo has returned to Norwich City and Jason Pearce has been released, but it would be difficult to see Garner not recruiting some centre-backs in the coming months and that may push the teenager down the pecking order once more.

The defender is someone many Charlton supporters wanted to see more of towards the latter end of the campaign - but the fact he wasn't utilised perhaps shows he may not be ready to be a regular first-teamer in the English capital just yet.

It does feel as though he should be given the chance to shine at a senior level after making his breakthrough last term though - and that may benefit his development so a loan spell to somewhere lower down the English pyramid could be beneficial.

It could even help to make him a viable first-team option a lot quicker, so he's one player to keep an eye on in the summer with Garner needing to make a decision on his future.

Ryan Viggars

19-year-old Viggars made his professional debut last November - but didn't manage to build on this as he recorded just one senior appearance for the Addicks during the 2021/22 campaign.

Washington's departure may have opened up a first-team spot for the teenager but Josh Davison may be used in the first team after working with Garner during the second half of last term.

During his temporary spell at the County Ground, he scored nine goals and recorded two assists in 21 league appearances and with that, it would be difficult to see his current boss not taking a chance on him in the third tier as well.

With this and the likes of Chuks Aneke and Jayden Stockley likely to be high in the pecking order, that may consign Viggars to youth football once again. At 19 though, he ideally needs to be playing at a senior level now.

Playing senior football may also boost his chances of remaining in Wales' youth setup, so it would be a no-brainer to send him out on loan if the Addicks can see him becoming a vital first-teamer in the coming years.