Rumours started building after lunch on Wednesday, that Andrew Muir’s proposed takeover of the club had hit a snag and was floundering.
Reports suggested that the Australians were unhappy about the sale of Ezri Konsa which was authorised by Roland Duchatelet.
The club’s Belgian owner is currently in London, seemingly making plans for the new season.
Muir’s consortium were hoping to complete the purchase of the club this week, but that now looks a forlorn hope.
The saga seems to have been going on forever. Allegedly, the consortium had passed the EFL’s ‘fit and proper’ test, yet nothing has transpired. On this occasion, the problem appears to lie with the prospective buyers.
Meanwhile, there are rumours of further player sales and virtually none about possible arrivals.
One of Charlton’s top targets in January was AFC Wimbledon’s Greenwich born striker, Lyle Taylor.
Taylor completed a move to fellow League One side, Bristol Rovers, on Wednesday.
The players are due to report back for pre-season training in two weeks time, and the Addicks really do need to start putting their 2018/19 squad together.
With Konsa gone, Josh Magennis and Mark Marshall available for transfer, rumours surrounding the future of Patrick Bauer, and last season’s five loanees to replace, there is much to be done in SE7 and little time to do it in.
Duchatelet is believed to have travelled to London to formulate plans for next season. If true, he clearly has major doubts about the Australians being able to complete a deal to buy the club.
In the circumstances, Lee Bowyer is probably in pole position to carry on as manager, though goodness knows what his budget will be. Head of Recruitment, Steve Gallen will have a vital role to play.
The whole situation needs clarifying quickly. Right now, hopes of promotion look a pipe dream.
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