Exclusive: Charlton Athletic star Thierry Small sent transfer warning as Millwall chase deal | OneFootball

The left-back has established himself as a key figure under Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones

Thierry Small would be best served remaining at Charlton Athletic no matter what division the Addicks are in next season, it has been claimed.

That is the view of EFL veteran-turned-pundit Joe Jacobson, who exclusively told Football League World that the “electric” Small would improve more as a player if he stayed at the Valley beyond the end of this season.

Left-back Small has become a star turn for a Charlton side hitting form at the right time, with Nathan Jones’ Addicks storming into the play-offs with five games remaining in the League One season.

Joe Jacobson: Interest in Thierry Small not surprising

20-year-old Small has turned heads in the EFL with his performances at left-back for Charlton this term, leading to speculation that Millwall and Preston North End are keen to give the former Everton and Southampton youngster a chance in the Championship.

Having joined Charlton midway through last campaign on an initial deal until the end of the 2023/24 season, Small saw a one-year contract option extended by the Addicks.

Whilst Charlton have previously offered a “long-term deal” to the defender, Small is yet to sign a new contract, with his current terms expiring this summer.

Due to Small’s age, Charlton would be owed compensation that would be set by a tribunal.

However, fellow left-back Joe Jacobson believes it is in Small’s best interests to remain a Charlton player beyond the end of the current campaign – even if it means another season of League One football.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Jacobson shared: “Like all good young players playing in League One, they're going to get touted about if they're doing well.

“Thierry Small, for a little while now, has been a mainstay in the Charlton team.

“He is electric, he's quick, he can go both ways.

“He can finish and he has scored some important goals for Charlton this season.

“So, of course there's going to be interest in him.”

Working with Nathan Jones at Charlton “best thing” for Thierry Small

Thierry Small’s move to Charlton saw him link back up with former manager Nathan Jones, with the pair working together at Southampton.

Jones had recalled Small from his loan spell at Port Vale in 2022, although the Welshman did not use the left-back at Southampton, before signing the 20-year-old for Charlton in January 2024.

Whilst admitting that the allure of Championship football would be hard to turn down, Jacobson felt that it was best for Small’s development if he remained at Charlton next season.

He continued: “At the minute, it’s probably the best thing, under Nathan Jones at Charlton, which is a huge, huge club that, you probably want to stay there.

“I think it's probably best for him to stay there at the minute and just keep growing as a player.

“The way Charlton are going at the minute, if they don't get promoted this season, then they're gonna be heavy favourites for next season.

“He could be a huge part of that rather than going to another club in the Championship and being a bit-part player and not necessarily being trusted straight away.

“You have to earn that, so it's not always the right thing to leave.

"But also it's very difficult to turn down if a Championship club comes in for you and offers you a big contract, it is tough to turn down.”