Charlton bag former Crystal Palace left-back Pape Souare from French top flight

Charlton Athletic have signed Pape Souare on a one-year deal.

The 31-year-old becomes the Addicks twelfth signing of the summer, after impressing in training with the South London club last week.

Souare was released by Ligue 1 side Troyes after making 17 appearances for them across a two year spell in France.

The former Crystal Palace left-back has featured 22 times and scored one goal for Senegal’s National side after making his debut 2012.

He moved to Crystal Palace from Lille on a three-and-a half-year deal in January 2015 for an undisclosed fee, reported to be £3.45 million.

Souaré was airlifted to hospital after being involved in a road accident on the M4 on September 11 2016. He sustained injuries to his thigh and jawbone. He did not return to training for 11 months.

He made a total of 64 appearances for the Eagles over four-and-a-half years before joining French Ligue 2 club Troyes on a one-season contract in 2019. It was extended but he did not make any appearances for them last season.

This summer he trained with the Crystal Palace under-23 squad, with a view to maintaining his fitness, and appeared in pre-season matches for the side.

Charlton owner Thomas Sandgaard said: “We’ve been looking at our options to get another left-back in and I’m really pleased we’ve been able to sign someone of Pape’s quality.

“He has played at the top level in France and England as well as international games for Senegal, so I’m looking forward to seeing him in a Charlton shirt.”