Four-year deal drives Charlton's hunt for defensive stability

Charlton Athletic have secured 23‑year‑old French centre‑back Billy Koumetio on a four‑year contract, marking his return to England after spells at Liverpool and Dundee. The Championship side announced the signing on Tuesday, confirming the undisclosed fee. The move adds depth to the defensive line as the club prepares for the upcoming season.

Dundee accepted offers for Koumetio and fellow centre‑back Luke Graham, and both players left the club's training camp in Hungary. Koumetio had made 44 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish Premiership side.

While at Liverpool, Koumetio spent a brief loan spell at Blackburn Rovers towards the end of the 2023‑24 season, without making a Championship appearance. His sole Liverpool appearance came as a substitute in a Champions League match in December 2020 against FC Midtjylland, when he became the youngest player to feature for the club in the competition at that time.

Koumetio said the manager Nathan Jones explained his vision for the club and the players, and that conversation convinced him it was the best move for his career. "The manager spoke to me about the vision that he has for the club and for the players as well," he told the club's website.

The signing follows Charlton's second summer acquisition, Slovak defender Ivan Mesik, who arrived from Dutch side Heracles Almelo for an undisclosed fee. Both new arrivals are centre‑backs, strengthening the squad ahead of the new campaign.

Undisclosed fees and multi‑year contracts have become common in the current transfer market, reflecting clubs' cautious financial strategies. Charlton's activity illustrates the Championship's ongoing recruitment of talent from the Scottish Premiership and abroad.