Following a recent trial, Charlton Athletic are looking into the prospect of signing free agent Jermaine Pennant. Speaking to the BBC, boss Guy Luzon says the club are considering handing the former Arsenal man a contract.
32-year-old Pennant has been something of a journeyman footballer in recent seasons, playing for a number of different clubs in a selection of different countries. He ended last season with Wigan Athletic after a spell with Indian Super League side FC Pune City before that. Prior to a settling spell with Stoke City, he played in Spain with Real Zaragoza and had a loan spell with Portsmouth. Luzon understands his qualities and will be keeping a closer eye on him in training,
“Because we have had a game every three days we haven’t had enough training to test his quality precisely.
He has a lot of experience. We will see and take a decision.”
Israeli Luzon is looking to add to his squad before the Tuesday deadline and despite making seven signings this summer, he is still hopeful of more recruits being finalised,
“We have time and if we have the chance, financially, to bring quality players to the squad, we will do it.”
Pennant was once Arsenals’ youngest-ever first team player when taking to the field for their League Cup tie with Middlesbrough aged 16 years and 319 days. That record has since he beaten by Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere respectively. Now coming towards the end of his career, Pennant would be returning to the capital for the first time since his Arsenal days. He scored three goals in 13 Championship appearances last season, so clearly still has the ability to ply his trade at this level.
