Charlton Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Will Mannion.
The 26-year-old, who made 18 appearances for fellow Sky Bet League One side Cambridge United last season, becomes Nathan Jones’ first signing as Charlton Manager.
Jones said: “He’s an experienced goalkeeper. We’re looking to improve every department over the summer in what is a big recruitment window for us. We identified Will as a real good goalkeeper who has done fantastically well at Cambridge and he did well against us in the game that he played. He’s someone that’s a real good profile in terms of size, he’s on his way up, he’s really hungry and he wants to get to and play at a higher level. That’s what attracted us to him.
“He’ll provide real good competition to those who we bring into that department and obviously he brings a real talent to it. We want to improve the department. We’re looking to bring in two goalkeepers to have a real competitive edge to them and two we believe can play at not just this level, but also can play at the level above.”
Mannion has penned a three-year contract, with the club option of an extra year, and will officially join the Addicks following the expiration of his contract at Cambridge. He added: “It feels great to be here. When the Manager called me, it definitely perked my ears up.
“Collectively, the goal is to push for promotion. That was made clear when I spoke to the gaffer, and that’s something that drew me to the club, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can do this season.”
Technical Director Andy Scott commented: “The goalkeeping position is one that Nathan has identified as a key area to strengthen during this transfer window.
“Will’s tall and is an excellent shot-stopper who commands his area and joins us on the back of a very impressive last few months of the season, having played a key role coming into the Cambridge team to help them retain their League One status.
“Our focus this summer is on adding quality to the squad to help set the standards and to supplement the young talent we already have, creating a healthy competition for places. While we’re really pleased Will has joined us, our intention is to bring another goalkeeper in to compete with the other goalkeepers at the club for that position in the starting line-up."
Born in Hillingdon, Mannion joined AFC Wimbledon aged 16 and immediately impressed, starring in a historic FA Youth Cup run that saw the Dons knock out two Premier League academies in Watford and Newcastle United.
That earned him a move to then-Premier League outfit Hull City in the summer of 2016 and he subsequently made his international debut for England U19s in a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands.
Mannion made his senior bow in August 2017 in the Tigers’ EFL Cup tie against Doncaster Rovers.
He gained further senior experience during loan spells with Plymouth Argyle, Aldershot Town and Kidderminster Harriers before signing for Cypriot side Pafos in August 2020.
Mannion returned to England the following summer, linking up with Cambridge. In October 2021, he joined National League South outfit Havant & Waterlooville on a one-month loan deal and featured 12 times, including the Hawks’ Emirates FA Cup first-round tie at The Valley.
He has since made 41 appearances for the U’s and established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper in the latter part of last season.
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