Charlton Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of Jamaica international Michael Hector.
The experienced centre-back has amassed over 400 senior appearances in his career to date – including 35 caps for his country.
The 30-year-old, who has put pen-to-paper on a deal until the end of the season, becomes the Addicks’ second deadline-day signing following the arrival of ball-playing midfielder Gavin Kilkenny.
"It feels great to be a Charlton player," said Hector. "The boys seem like a good bunch and I’ve settled in nicely.
"I’ve always enjoyed playing at The Valley. Every time I’ve played at The Valley it has been at night and it almost feels like a European night. It’s always a decent atmosphere, obviously being a home player it will be a different experience and it's one I'm really looking forward to."
Manager Dean Holden said: “He’s coming in with really good pedigree having played a lot of games at a good level. He’s a leader and a top professional who looks after himself fitness wise. From the first conversations I thought he could be a really good signing for us.
"He’s trained with us yesterday and today and I’ve been impressed with what I saw. We’ll have to be patient with him as he’s not played this season, but he’s a really good addition for us.
“He’s shown that he’s really keen to come here. What’s important for me is that he’ll also help to guide our young defenders through his leadership and they’ll be able to see how a top professional conducts himself. I’ve spoken to various people at different clubs who have worked with him and they all say he’s a great professional and how driven and committed he is.”
Hector becomes the fifth of the January transfer window. Owner and CEO Thomas Sandgaard added: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to bring Michael to the club. He’s an excellent defender with great experience and will provide good leadership to the side.”
The East Ham-born defender began his professional career at Reading and, after gaining valuable experience during a variety of loan spells away from Berkshire, established himself in the Royals’ first team squad in 2014/15.
Following his impressive breakthrough season, Hector earned a move to then-Premier League champions Chelsea.
He returned to Reading on loan for the 2015/16 campaign before enjoying a spell in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt. The centre-back earned 27 appearances for Die Adler, who finished 11th in the Bundesliga and reached the German Cup final.
The following two seasons saw Hector return to the Championship, where he enjoyed another 77 outings for Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday, winning the Owls’ Player of the Year award.
He completed a move to Fulham in January 2020 and, in his debut season at Craven Cottage, helped the Whites earn promotion to the Premier League. The defender went on to play for the west London side in the top flight in the subsequent season.
Hector represented his country at the Copa America and the Gold Cup, helping them to the final of the latter tournament in 2015.
The transfer is subject to EFL approval.
Charlton return to The Valley on Saturday, February 11th to take on Fleetwood Town (3pm KO GMT). Click here to purchase your tickets.
