Charlton Athletic sign top Tottenham prospect Nile John on loan

Charlton Athletic have made Nile John their third signing of the January transfer window.

The Tottenham midfielder has joined on loan until the end of the League One campaign.

John, 18, who has been capped at England U19 level, visited their Sparrows Lane training groundwith former Addicks boss Chris Powell, who is head of coaching at Spurs’ academy.

John joined the north London club at the age of seven. He made his senior debut as a sub against Wolfsburg in the Europa League in February 2021.

“You highlight the positions you’re after and you draw up your lists,” Charlton manager Johnnie Jackson told the South London Press. “Nile was one that was of interest to us. Once you’ve highlighted that you do your homework and speak to people you know in the game – Chris Powell obviously being the perfect guy for that.

“Powelly didn’t bring him to the table but once Nile was in the conversation if was great for me to have that affiliation with Powelly, who I can reach out to, along with other people I know at Spurs, to get real insight into the lad.

“He’s not played in the league so you can’t look back at those things but you can look at his performances in the U23s and how highly-regarded he is at Spurs when you speak to people that you trust.

“I’ve had conversations with Powelly about Nile and I’m excited to get him onboard. It was good to see him [Powell]. The connection he had with the club probably put the lad at ease. He’s excited by the challenge but it can be daunting going into a new place. Having Powelly there just settled him in a little bit easier.

“He’s got the capabilities to play anywhere in midfield. He likes to attack and get on the ball between lines, try and create. He is very tidy and comfortable in possession – he’d have no problem playing deeper if we needed him to. He gives us a little bit of versatility in that position.