Charlton Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of attacking midfielder Alex Gilbert on loan from Middlesbrough until the end of the season.
The 23-year-old, who has been capped by the Republic of Ireland at youth level and is comfortable across the frontline, becomes the Addicks' first signing of the transfer window.
Manager Nathan Jones commented: "I'm delighted to have him. We’ve been looking to add more quality in the final third and Alex provides that. He comes with decent pedigree having played in a very good Championship side this season, who trust us to further his development.
"We don’t really like taking players on loan, but when an opportunity comes up to add real quality, like this, we have to take it."
Gilbert said: "I'm buzzing to finally get it done and finally be down here. I'm massively looking forward to Saturday. Charlton's obviously a big club and from what I've heard the stadium's really nice, so I'm looking forward to playing in front of all the fans."
Technical Director Andy Scott added: "Our focus in this window has been on streamlining the squad to ensure Nathan has players that are going to contribute to the run-in and adding real quality to our team that improves us.
"We’ve been chasing Alex for a while now and we’re really pleased he’s joined us. We believe he has the ability to positively impact the team as he has done a number of times for Middlesbrough in the Championship. He has great quality in the final third, gives us something different in those forward positions and we’re looking forward to watching him in action for Charlton."
Born in Birmingham, Gilbert joined West Bromwich Albion’s academy at U9 level and progressed through the youth ranks before moving to Brentford in September 2020.
He made his senior debut for the Bees in January 2021 in a 2-1 Emirates FA Cup win against Middlesbrough.
Having starred for Brentford’s B team, Gilbert joined Swindon Town on loan ahead of the 2021/22 campaign and went on to feature 12 times before returning to west London.
The 2022/23 season was a fruitful one for the midfielder, who scored 16 goals and registered eight assists as he captained the young Bees to the Premier League Cup glory, while also being named Brentford B’s Player of the Year.
A Republic of Ireland youth international at U19 and U21 level, he moved to Middlesbrough in the summer of 2023 and made 15 appearances during his debut campaign - including a goal in a win away at Cardiff City in what was his first start for the club.
Gilbert arrives at The Valley having featured 10 times for Michael Carrick’s side this term, seven of which have come in the Sky Bet Championship, with the 23-year-old bagging a stoppage-time winner on New Year’s Day when Boro beat Hull City at the MKM Stadium.
Gilbert could make his Charlton debut on Saturday when Stevenage visit The Valley. Click here to purchase your tickets now!
