Charlton Athletic make late deadline day raid to land Swindon’s Diallang Jaiyesimi
Charlton Athletic have managed to make a deadline day-busting move for Swindon Town winger Diallang Jaiyesimi.
The Addicks have paid a six-figure sum for the 22-year-old South Londoner, who was born in Southwark and started his career at Dulwich Hamlet.
Jaiyesimi has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract.
Charlton manager Lee Bowyer told the club’s website: “I’m over the moon to get him. He’s a good player, he’s young, he’s going to bring us something different. We worked hard to get this one over the line, it has been a long day, we got this right at the death at the deadline.
“If I was to liken him to someone, it would probably be [Jonathan] Leko, with that unpredictability – you never know what he is going to do. We experienced that when he scored against us. He has that unpredictability we need in that final third.”
Addicks owner Thomas Sandgaard added: “We have been looking to add youth and pace to our squad throughout this window, so and I am very pleased we have been able to bring in Diallang. He is an exciting young player, so I am looking forward to seeing him in action for Charlton.”
Charlton had started the day hoping to progress a deal for Crewe wideman Charlie Kirk, with reports claiming they had bid £500,000.
But Crewe put up a story – later deleted – in which manager David Artell said he was disappointed that an agent “not officially associated to Charlie Kirk has again meddled in the club’s affairs”.
The Addicks switched their sights to Fleetwood Town’s Josh Morris but that was dependent on them signing a replacement. But shortly after 9.30pm that transfer was also a no go.
But Charlton director of football Steve Gallen and manager Lee Bowyer continued to plug away and got a breakthrough with Jaiyesimi, a pacey and direct winger.
He initially left Hamlet for Norwich City in 2016. He signed a three-year contract with Swindon in July 2020 after an impressive loan spell in the campaign before.
Jaiyesimi has scored four goals in 18 League One appearances this season.
Got to be pleased with this signing. Whilst it is a difficult name to pronounce, it is one that has been seen on numerous occasions this season, when playing for Swindon. Charlton needed a winger type player and Jaiyesimi appears to fit the bill. He is match fit, so can be included in the match day squad for tonight’s very important game against Portsmouth. A three and a half year deal, so whilst a late signing. clearly LB and SG see him as a long term investment.