Charlton sign defender after West Ham exit - Done Deal

Charlton Athletic have signed youth defender Tate Elliott after his release from West Ham United.

The club announced via their official website on Thursday (18 July) that Elliott is one of 13 academy players to be handed a scholarship ahead of the 2024/25 season.

As per Charlton's Academy Director Steve Avory, "We've taken one player from outside in Tate Elliott, who is a centre-back that was previously at West Ham, and we felt we needed another centre-back, certainly of his quality."

Charlton Athletic sign former West Ham United youth defender Tate Elliott

The Hammers might have let a centre-back with some real potential slip through their fingers at the London Stadium.

Charlton's Under-16s were crowned national champions last year, which demonstrates the quality that the London-based club have within their ranks.

Of their 13 scholars for the 2024/25 season, 12 of those were part of that Under-16 team.

The sole exception is Elliott, who is the only player to have been offered a scholarship from outside the club.

It demonstrates how highly Charlton think of the player, and therefore just how much potential he might possess.

While this will by no means be a pressing concern for Julen Lopetegui, he won't want to see the club continue to let go of too many talented young players, especially in defence.

The Hammers' defensive record was atrocious last season, and Maximilian Kilman has already been signed to address that issue.

However, while this is a positive step, it would be much more beneficial and cost effective for the club if they could begin to promote some defenders from within their own ranks.

In other West Ham news, the club are fearful that one agreed transfer is set to collapse.

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