Northern Ireland striker Conor Washington joins relegated Charlton Athletic

Charlton Athletic have completed the signing of Conor Washington from Heart of Midlothian on a two-year deal.

The Northern Ireland international, 28, has penned a two-year contract at the Valley. 

The striker joins the Addicks for an undisclosed fee and in doing so becomes Lee Bowyer’s second signing of the summer transfer window following the arrival of Alex Gilbey on Wednesday.

The 28 year-old joined the Jambos on a two-year deal as a free agent on July 1st 2019 after being released from Sheffield United at the end of that season.

Lee Bowyer had wanted Washington last summer when he left Sheffield United, but he opted for Hearts.

However, a hamstring injury stalled his career at Tyne castle, with the Scottish season also ending early because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He has had a spell with Peterborough United in League One between 2013 and 2016 before securing a multi-million pound move to Queens Park Rangers in the Championship.

Washington has been capped 21 times for Northern Ireland scoring on his home debut in a friendly against Slovenia before scoring his first competitive goal against Norway in March 2017.

On signing for the Addicks he said: “It’s absolutely brilliant to be here, I’m really looking forward to the challenge.

“I’ve seen a lot of Charlton over the last few years and with the manager being the way he is, it looks like a great project to be a part of.

“It’s a great stadium, I’ve seen it on the television a few times and I’m really looking forward to playing here. The pitch is nice and big which is good for me, I love running in behind, trying to score goals. Hopefully I can add that in the mix and get us up the league.”

Addicks manager Lee Bowyer added: “We have to bring in bodies and replace bodies that we’ve lost, so it’s a good start.

“He’s an international and someone with a lot of experience. We tried to bring him in last summer, but it just didn’t work out for us, so I’m really pleased he’s signed for us.

“He’ll cause teams problems and add that finishing touch that we lacked at the end of last season. I’m delighted to finally have him through the door.”

The Addicks who were relegated on the final day of the Championship season will find out their League One fixture list on Friday August 21 at 9am.