Charlton Athletic have made midfielder Christophe Lepoint their fifth acquisition of this January transfer window after the club announced his transfer from KAA Gent on Thursday.
Signing for an undisclosed fee, the 30 year-old has penned a two and a half year contract at the Valley which will expire in the summer of 2017.
The Belgian international joined Pro League side Gent in 2009 having played in Germany, Holland and Turkey earlier in his career. He has made 17 league appearances in the Belgian top flight so far this season.
He becomes Charlton’s fifth close season signing, after the captures of Neil Etheridge, Tony Watt, Marko Dmitrovic and Milos Veljkovic.
Charlton boss Guy Luzon, who took charge of his first game as manager on Saturday after being granted a work permit- a 0-0 draw with Wolves, commented:
“He is an experienced player and can play in more than one position. He is known as someone who plays in the middle of the pitch, but his versatility gives us more options.
“I believe he will be a very good player in this league”.
On completing his move to England, Lepoint said:
“It has always been a dream for me to play in England. I think my style will fit in well with the Championship and I believe I have the profile to progress and perform well in this league.
“Naturally it will take a little bit of time for me to adapt, but I am quick learner and I will be fighting for the club from the first moment.”
Lepoint began his career at Anderlecht, before spells at 1860 Munich, Willem II and Genclerbirligi. He played over 100 times in the league for Gent, where he played alongside Charlton top scorer Igor Vetokele.
At 6’2”, he will add considerable physical presence to Charlton’s midfield and has become known in his home country for energetic displays in the middle of the park. The recall of Francis Coquelin, injury to Johnnie Jackson and the suspension of Yoni Buyens have left gaping holes in the Addicks’ central midfield, which Lepoint will be hoping to fill.
He made his national debut in May 2010, scoring in Belgium’s 2-1 friendly victory Bulgaria in Brussels.
Lepoint will wear the number 40 shirt for Charlton and is in line for his home debut at the Valley on Saturday, eligible for selection in the Sky Bet Championship game against Rotherham.
