Tom Lockyer: Charlton Athletic set to offer Welsh defender new contract
Tom Lockyer of Wales at MD1 Training. Wales v Azerbaijan Media Session at Cardiff City Stadium. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
Welsh defender Tom Lockyer is set to earn a new contract at recently relegated Charlton Athletic.
The 25-year-old had a clause in his contract, which means that he is able leave the Addicks on a free transfer this summer, amid their relegation to Sky Bet League One.
But now the London-based outfit are reportedly keen to keep the Welshman by proposing to him a new contract, which will see him stay at the Valley, according to South London press.
Lockyer was one of the few Charlton players which impressed this season. The Cardiff-born defender made a total of 43 appearances at SE7, scoring one goal.
Charlton manager Lee Bowyer was full of praise for Lockyer back in August of last year, following his excellent performances for the Addicks and appears to be a big admirer of the centre-back.
He said: “He’s a good all-round defender, good at everything, but he’ll keep working hard and he’ll improve I’m sure of that.“
Now they will be hoping the talented defender stays put, despite their relegation being confirmed last Wednesday following their 4-0 loss to Leeds United at Elland Road.
Lockyer started out at Cardiff City’s youth academy, before moving to Bristol Rovers. He made 255 league appearances for the Pirates in a seven-year period, between 2012 and 2019, before making the switch to Charlton Athletic, last summer.
Lockyer has also featured 10 times for Wales. He made his full international debut against Panama, in November 2017.
He will be back with his beloved Bristol Rovers in a year or so. There are exciting times ahead for the bristol club.