EFL club announce surprise signing of former Champions League star

Charlton Athletic have announced the shock signing of free agent defender Jerome Roussillon.

The Addicks have signed the left-back, who has experience in the Champions League, due to injury issues in their squad.

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Roussillon has been without a club since departing Bundesliga side Union Berlin at the end of last season.

The Guadeloupe international, who will wear the No.15 shirt, said: “I’m really happy to be here and be part of the team.

“I’m excited to get started and can’t wait to play in front of our supporters.”

Charlton have welcomed a vastly experienced defender, who has played almost 350 games across his career.

The 32-year-old has also previously played for Wolfsburg, Montpellier and FC Sochaux, racking up 20 games of European football.

Ten of those have come in the Champions League and the other ten appearances have come in the Europa League.

Roussillon joins Charlton with Nathan Jones wanting extra options at left-back, with Josh Edwards still ruled out injured.

Jones said: “We’re delighted to be able to bring in someone with Jérôme’s experience.

“We’ve obviously been light in that area with the injury to Josh Edwards and it’s the only position that we haven’t really got cover on.

“So we’re pleased to bring Jérôme in to give us more competition and quality in that area.”

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Roussillon’s career path

Roussillon started his career in France and made appearances for the French national team at youth level over a decade ago.

He made his professional debut with Sochaux before moving on to Montpellier in 2015 and then Wolfsburg in 2018.

That transfer to Germany paid off, as that is where he went on to make his European football bow.

He played 16 times across the Champions League and Europa League for Wolfsburg and seven times for Union Berlin after making the switch to the fellow Bundesliga side in January 2023.

Whilst in Berlin, Roussillon also changed international allegiances and he now plays for Guadeloupe, picking up 17 caps.

His last club fixture came in April, as he appeared as a substitute against Bayer Leverkusen, with Charlton his surprise next team.

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When could Roussillon make his debut?

Roussillon is eligible to make his Charlton debut on Saturday.

He has been registered in time to feature for the Addicks’ tough trip to face Championship league leaders Coventry City, which will be exclusively live on talkSPORT 2 at 3pm.

It will be one of the hardest fixtures of the season for Jones’ side as they take on Frank Lampard‘s rampant outfit.

Coventry are ten points clear at the top of the second tier and looking like favourites for promotion to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Charlton have recently dropped to 16th after losing three straight games following a strong start.