Chuks away…and now back! Aneke signs long-term contract as he seals Charlton return

Chuks Aneke has rejoined Charlton Athletic on a permanent transfer – signing a contract until the summer of 2025.

The 28-year-old turned down a new deal at The Valley outfit last season and opted instead to be re-united with his former manager Lee Bowyer at Birmingham City on a free transfer.

But Aneke has found it difficult to command a starting spot at the Championship club, making just one league start for them as he has primarily been used off the bench.

He has scored 17 goals in 62 appearances for the Addicks – 15 of those last season as he produced a highly-effective impact sub.

Aneke has signed in time to be available for Charlton’s match at Cheltenham Town tomorrow. Jayden Stockley (hip) is set to miss out again and manager Johnnie Jackson had made bringing in at least one frontman in this window a top priority.

Aneke said: “It feels good. I have come in today and seen the boys, familiar faces and surroundings, I am buzzing to get going.

“Last season I scored quite a few goals and it was quite successful, it’s just picking up where I left off, I feel very comfortable.

“When I was here last Jacko was assistant and we worked quite a lot on the pitch together, so I imagine it will be the same again. I’ll be trying to come into the team and use my influence to score some goals, get some assists and be that focal point for the team, that is where I am thinking and what he [Johnnie Jackson] is expecting of me.”

Jackson said: “I am delighted to have Chuks back at the club, he is someone I know really well having worked with him previously, he is someone I was really keen to work with again.

“We all know his qualities and what he can bring to the squad. Bringing in a player that can score goals was something we were looking at and Chuks is someone that can come in and help with that and provide.”

Charlton owner Thomas Sandgaard said: “I am very happy we’ve been able to welcome back Chuks. As we saw last season, he brings goals to the team but also adds a lot more than that. He has quality on the ball and is a good passer. We know opposition defences won’t want to be going up against him. I am really looking forward to watching him play for us again.”