The lowdown on Charlton Athletic’s fifth signing of summer transfer window – Fulham defender Steven Sessegnon

Charlton Athletic have made Steven Sessegnon their fifth signing of the summer transfer window. The Fulham defender has arrived on a season-long loan deal from Premier League new boys Fulham.

The 22-year-old trained with the Addicks on Tuesday and could make his debut in Saturday’s pre-season friendly at Dartford.

Here is the lowdown on the latest Charlton addition.

LET’S TALK ABOUT SESS

Sorry, I couldn’t resist a Salt-N-Pepa reference (I’m sure he’s never had that headline before….) but Sessegnon’s arrival spices up the defensive options in SE7.

The right-footed full-back has played a fair bit on the left at his parent club and during temporary stays at Bristol City and Plymouth. He’s been brought in with that position in mind, but with the ability to also slot in on the other side of the backline.

He’s the first loan signing made by Charlton in this transfer window. Sessegnon’s Fulham deal expired this summer but he has signed new terms with the west London club, who he joined before the age of 10, until the summer of 2023. The club also hold an option to extend that by a further 12 months.

HE’S A WORLD CUP (U17) WINNER

Sessegnon played five of England’s matches as they won the U17 World Cup in India, including starting in the 5-2 win over Spain in the final. Marc Guehi, now a standout and key performer for Crystal Palace, scored in the match. Jadon Sancho and Emile Smith Rowe were both unused subs, which underlines that the side was pretty tasty.

He’s played for the Three Lions at every age group from U16 to U21.

TWINS

Sessegnon’s twin brother Ryan lit up the Championship with Fulham and he scored 15 goals in the Championship as they won promotion to the top flight, joining Tottenham Hotspur the summer after they instantly went back down. Slavisa Jokanovic handed Steven his debut in August 2017 against Wycombe in the EFL Cup – a moment made more special by Ryan coming on in the closing stages. Older brother Chris, 28, has played in non-league, most recently at Horsham.

REACTION TO THE DEAL

Steven Sessegnon: “Speaking to the manager about the way he wants to play and how positive his message was really sold it for me. He wants to be attacking, he wants to go at teams and not just sit back, and that suits me very nicely. It was an easy choice. Ever since I was young I’ve been able to play either side of a defence or even in midfield. I’m just as comfortable in the middle as I am on the left and right. I like to attack players and I like to get at people. It’s all about being positive. As much as I can, I like to get forward and really contribute to the team attacking-wise.”

Ben Garner: “We are very happy to sign Steven and welcome him into our squad. He is capable of playing both on the left and right so gives us added quality, plus versatility. Steven is an athletic player with good football intelligence and technical quality. He is also ambitious and wants to help us be successful this season.”

Thomas Sandgaard: “He’s an attacking full-back who will help us create chances for our forward players. He’s an excellent addition to the club.”

PICTURE: CHARLTON ATHLETIC