'My main strength is my aggression' - Ivan Mesik on when Charlton Athletic first made contact about transfer, his favoured position and what areas of the game he rated strongly in the Eredivisie

Defender, 25, is the first signing of summer transfer window

“It’s a huge step. It’s another level of football compared to the Eredivisie in Holland. It is the right move for me, because I like challenges.”

Ivan Mesik is discussing his move to Charlton Athletic.

Not only is the 25-year-old the first signing made by the Addicks in the summer transfer window, but he will also be the first Slovakian player to represent the club.

Ivan Mesik in action last season for Heracles/Picture: Alamy

Charlton have added the defender, capped three times by his country, for an undisclosed fee. He has signed a four-year contract.

Mesik makes the move from Heracles Almelo, who finished bottom of the table in the 2025-26 season and lost their top-flight status in the Netherlands.

He made 71 appearances for Heracles, 33 of those in the last campaign.

Charlton boss Nathan Jones told the club’s website: “He’s someone that’s really hungry to do well. We beat off an awful lot of competition to get him and he’ll provide a wonderful option down that left-hand side.

“We have monitored him for a while and he comes with really good pedigree playing in the Eredivisie.”

Mesik has revealed to South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition that he became aware of attention from the SE7-based outfit at the end of the season.