Charlton Athletic has signed 23-year-old midfielder Alex Gilbert on loan from Middlesbrough until the end of the current season, marking the Addicks' first transfer of the winter window. Gilbert, who has represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level and has struggled for playing time since joining Middlesbrough, is seen as a valuable addition to Charlton's squad.
Manager Nathan Jones expressed his delight at the signing, stating, "I’m delighted to have him. We’ve been looking to add more quality in the final third, and Alex provides just what we need. He has decent pedigree having played for Middlesbrough, who look to aid his development through this loan." Jones acknowledged their typical reluctance to engage in loan deals, yet saw Gilbert's potential as too great to pass up. He stated, "We don’t really like taking players on loan, but when the opportunity arises to add real quality, like this, we have to take it."
Gilbert himself expressed enthusiasm for the move, saying, "I’m buzzing to finally get it done and to be down here. Charlton's obviously a big club, and from what I've heard the stadium's really nice, so I'm really excited to play in front of all the fans." His eagerness underlines the potential impact he could have as Charlton seeks to secure promotion from League One.
The loan deal has materialized after Gilbert faced difficulties gaining regular game time for Middlesbrough. Since arriving at the club from Brentford amid some promise, he has found himself on the sidelines more than he would have liked. With only five starts and 20 appearances from the bench over the course of his tenure at Boro, this new arrangement with Charlton provides him with the opportunity to play regularly.
Gilbert's profile includes notable achievements during his time with Brentford B, where he scored 16 goals and made eight assists, helping them to win the Premier League Cup. His career began at West Bromwich Albion’s academy, transitioning to Brentford where he made his senior debut back in January 2021. He later spent time on loan at Swindon Town, showcasing his talents and gaining important first-team experience.
Despite his limited appearances at Middlesbrough, Gilbert did manage to leave a memorable mark, including scoring the decisive goal during their victory over Hull City on New Year's Day. He arrives at Charlton Athletic ready to make his mark and contribute to the team's efforts for promotion.
Technical Director Andy Scott stated, "Our focus this window has been on streamlining the squad to support Nathan and provide players who can contribute significantly to our campaign. We’ve been pursuing Alex for some time now, and we believe he can make a positive impact with his quality and versatility, especially as we look for more options across the forward positions. We're eager to see how he performs at Charlton."
Gilbert's new adventure at Charlton could not come at a more opportune time, as the team currently sits sixth in League One and is vying for promotion. With their reliance on youthful talent and fresh legs as the campaign progresses, Gilbert’s prior experience and skill set could be exactly what Charlton needs to bolster their attacking lineup.
With the move now official, Gilbert is expected to make his debut this weekend against Stevenage, fans will eagerly await to see how his inclusion changes the dynamics of the team. The Addicks hope he will replicate his impactful moments, turning his previous potential at Middlesbrough to valuable performances at The Valley.