Charlton Athletic's summer-long pursuit of Charlie Kelman pays off

QPR striker - last season's League One Golden Boot winner - makes Valley switch

Charlton Athletic have made Charlie Kelman their eighth signing since promotion to the Championship.

The 23-year-old forward, who banged in 27 goals in all competitions last season, has put pen to paper on terms that run until the summer of 2029.

South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition had already reported the fee as at least £3million with west London media claiming that QPR also have a 20 per cent sell on in the transfer.

It is the most expensive signing made by the Addicks so far in what has turned into a hugely busy summer transfer window. The Basildon-born player is the eighth addition made to Nathan Jones’ squad.

Charlie Kelman starred for Leyton Orient last season

Picture: Alamy

Kelman was also the subject of a rejected bid from MLS side Charlotte FC but despite his international allegiance to the USA, he has been capped at U21 level, he made clear that he wanted to play in the Championship.

That left the pathway clear for Charlton. There had also been suggestions that Luton Town had made an offer but they had little in the way of negotiation power after relegation to League One.

Kelman has already proved he can do it at that level after netting 21 League One goals on loan at Leyton Orient last season - and only one of those was a penalty. Former Fulham youngster Jay Stansfield, second in the top-scorer charts, bagged 19 for Birmingham City but nine of those were from the spot.