Charlton Athletic have had a £1.3m bid rejected by Leyton Orient for ex-Manchester United man Ethan Galbraith, reports Mark McAdam.
Charlton Athletic are on their way to the Championship after triumphing in the League One play-off final. CAFC beat Leyton Orient at Wembley and have already begun shifting their attention to preparations for next season.
Recruitment will remain a key priority at The Valley as the club looks to strengthen ahead of the new campaign. Now Charlton Athletic appear to be trying to steal one of their play-off final opponents’ star players.
CAFC - Charlton fans
Image courtesy of: PETER CZIBORRA/REUTERS.
According to Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam, reported via X, CAFC have had a bid rejected by Leyton Orient for right-back Ethan Galbraith. It is understood that the offer was around £1.3m from Charlton Athletic.
Galbraith has had a brilliant season with Leyton Orient this year and is attracting interest from several Championship clubs. Sheffield United and Swansea City have been credited with the most interest and could be tempted into a move.
The Northern Irish international is a particularly versatile player who has excelled at full-back with Orient. He is capable of playing in midfield too, where he played in his Manchester United academy days.
An ambitious move
With the clubs interested in Galbraith, it would be quite the coup if Charlton got this one over the line. Both Sheffield United and Swansea City are expected to be at the top end of the Championship next year.
SUFC - Sheffield United players celebrate
Image courtesy of: ANDREW COURTESY/REUTERS.
Charlton, on the other hand, are many people’s early favourites for relegation straight back to League One. However, if more links to players like Galbraith come out, then that opinion could change.
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The Addicks would be showing their hand if a deal is done for Galbraith. A £1.3m bid this early in the window would suggest that there is money to spend at the Valley.
Is he ready for the Championship?
Ethan Galbraith is yet to play above League One, so a potential move to Charlton Athletic would be a significant new challenge. However, the Northern Ireland international has elevated his game notably over the past year.
The 24-year-old has averaged a strong 7.18 match rating this season, according to FOTMob, consistently ranking among Leyton Orient’s top performers during a successful campaign for the club. He also added goals and assists to his game, earning six of each across the season.
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A move to The Valley would undoubtedly be a step up, but Galbraith has shown the quality and composure that suggest he’s more than capable of making the transition smoothly.