Former Brighton winger Solly March is reportedly on the verge of completing a move to Championship side Charlton Athletic. The 32-year-old has remained a free agent since the summer transfer window closed, having officially concluded a 13-year stint on the south coast. The prospective switch will see the experienced wide player return to the English second tier following months spent searching for his next step.
March departed the Seagulls with 300 appearances and 26 goals to his name, having been an integral part of the squad that finished as 2016/17 Championship runners-up to secure Premier League promotion. Demonstrating notable versatility by operating on both wings, across midfield, and briefly at left-back, he helped Brighton become an established top-flight outfit that now competes in Europe. However, his final years with the club were heavily disrupted by knee injuries.
The move to Charlton, who currently sit 13th in the Championship table, will see March reunite with animated manager Nathan Jones. The pair previously linked up at Brighton, where Jones served as assistant under Oscar Garcia and oversaw March's senior debut. Following the resignation of Sami Hyypia in December 2014, Jones also selected March on two occasions during his tenure as caretaker manager.
The transfer marks a division shift for March, who previously indicated in August that he was targeting a Premier League stay while ruling out a move abroad. Speaking to talkSPORT while training alone, March stated he was feeling the best he had in two years and noted: "When you've played 300 games, you know what it's like, and you can help the younger players and advise them." With 75 Championship appearances already under his belt, the seasoned winger now looks set to provide that leadership and experience to Jones' side.