Charlton have secured the signing of highly-rated right-back Chris Gunter on a two-year deal, with the option of a third year.
The defender is the most-capped Wales international ever, having played 96 times for his country, and is in the squad for this evening’s game against England at Wembley.
Lee Bowyer explained that the club’s transfer strategy involves having a healthy combination of youth and experience and feels that Gunter’s 518 professional games, combined with his ability defensively and going forwards, make him the perfect fit.
He said: “Chris is an exceptional right-back with bundles of experience. I’m pleased to have that position tied down, he is definitely going to make us stronger.
“His defensive qualities and experience are important and going forwards he is an athlete – he’s very good in the final third. The way we want to play is always attacking and on the front foot and he fits that role perfectly.”
Gunter becomes the fourth signing of the Thomas Sandgaard era following the arrivals of Ben Watson, Akin Famewo and Marcus Maddison.
The Charlton owner said: “I am very pleased we have been able to complete the signing of Chris Gunter. He is a very good, proven player and one that I know Lee Bowyer and Steve Gallen looked at last year when the club was in the Championship. He fits our plan for this season and I am looking forward to seeing him pull on a Charlton shirt at The Valley.”