Exclusive: Charlton Athletic offer new contract to teenage striker

Charlton Athletic have offered Daniel Kanu a new contract.

The 18-year-old striker is on loan at National League side Southend United and was recently called up at senior international level by Sierra Leone.

Kanu signed his first professional deal in February 2022 with the Addicks reporting at the time it was “until at least 2024”.

The South London Press understands that the fresh offer is until the summer of 2026 and would also include an option.

Kanu scored four goals on his debut for the Shrimpers against Solihull Moors last month.

The teenager has also netted three times for his parent club, including back to back League One matches in August.

Kanu was allowed out on loan to gain more match experience as Charlton had Chuks Aneke, Miles Leaburn and Slobodan Tedic all available at that stage – but now the former is out with a hamstring injury which could rule him out until next year.

Head coach Michael Appleton admitted after Aneke’s setback that it meant recalling Kanu was something to consider.

“You’ve got to think of all your options,” said Appleton, speaking at the end of October.

“When I first came in DK was chomping at the bit to get first-team football. We had the option of Chuks at that time. Now it is gone it is something we can look at.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD