Charlton Athletic young defender signs new long-term contract – penning deal until at least 2027

Charlton Athletic have announced that academy graduate Zach Mitchell has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

The 19-year-old defender, who joined the Addicks as an U7, has put pen-to-paper on a deal until 2027, with a club option of an extra year.

Since earning his first-team debut in November 2022, Mitchell has made 13 appearances for Charlton, including both of the Addicks’ cup ties this season.

“I’ve obviously been here for a long time and I’ve got a strong affinity to the club, so I’m really pleased to be extending my time here,” said Mitchell, who is one of eight academy graduates to feature for Nathan Jones this season.

“I’m incredibly grateful for all of the opportunities that I’ve had here. I’m looking forward to continuing my journey.”

Manager Nathan Jones commented: “Zach has really impressed me since day one of pre-season. We had opportunities to let him go out on loan, but we felt his development was here and he’s been excellent. What we’ve got to do now is make sure he keeps moving forward.

“He was superb when he played for us at Cambridge, he’s been very close to starting league games, and he has that real versatility. He’s someone that has come through the academy which we’re delighted with and we feel he can make a big impact for Charlton Athletic.”

After progressing through the club’s academy, the centre-back signed his first professional contract in July 2022 and made his senior debut three months later in a Papa John’s Trophy tie against Brighton & Hove Albion U21s.

Mitchell, who has been capped by England at U15 level, then earned his full league debut in December 2022 in Charlton’s League One fixture against Cheltenham Town at The Valley.

Following his impressive breakthrough campaign, he was named the Sky Bet League One Apprentice of the Season at the 2023 EFL Awards ceremony.

The academy graduate spent last season on loan at Sky Bet League Two side Colchester United on a season-long loan, where he featured 29 times and scoring twice.

PICTURE: KEITH GIILLARD