Charlton Athletic are preparing for their Championship campaign next season after getting promoted through the play-offs from League One.
As such, the club are looking to strengthen their squad as they brace themselves to be taking on a harder challenge than last year, with Birmingham City and Wrexham having joined them in the step up.
In a bid to strengthen their defence, Charlton have recruited former Manchester United youth player Joe Rankin-Costello who departed the Red Devils’ youth academy to join Blackburn Rovers in 2015, continuing to progress to Blackburn’s senior squad in 2020.
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Whilst Rankin-Costello is primarily a right-back, the 25-year-old brings a versatility to his new squad, having played all across the back line and midfield, including on both wings.
Now, taking to their official site, Charlton Athletic has unveiled their new defender, announcing: “Charlton Athletic are delighted to confirm the signing of Joe Rankin-Costello from Blackburn Rovers for an undisclosed fee.”
The statement continues: “Rankin-Costello, who can play a number of roles across the defence and midfield, arrives at The Valley following an 11-year spell with Rovers, where the academy graduate made 132 appearances across all competitions, including 115 in the Sky Bet Championship.
“He has signed a four-year contract with the Addicks to become Nathan Jones’ sixth summer signing following the arrivals of Sonny Carey, Thomas Kaminski, Tanto Olaofe, Amari’i Bell and Reece Burke.”
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Speaking for the first time as a Charlton Athletic player, Rankin-Costello commented: “The manager was really positive about the project and it made me want to come here straight away. I wanted a new challenge and I’m really excited to embrace it.”
When talking about the new signing, manager Nathan Jones commented: “We’re really delighted to get Joe on board. He’s a player I’ve watched for a number of years.”
He continued: “He’s a really versatile and technically excellent midfield player, with good energy and lots of Championship experience. He gives us real quality in the midfield areas, plus he can cover the wider areas as well.”
