Top English club complete signing of Nigeria-born defender

Charlton Athletic have secured the services of former AFC Wimbledon defender Deji Oshilaja on a free transfer.

The versatile defender arrives at The Valley on a two-year contract to become the Addicks seventh signing of a busy summer.

The Bermondsey-born player spent the last two seasons at AFC Wimbledon and captained the side in his last season there.

Addicks boss Lee Bowyer said: “I’m delighted. He’s another very good player. A leader, he was captain of his club last year so it’s becoming a trend. Our defenders are all leaders and winners.

“He’s a powerful boy and he can play all across the back. He’s very good in all those positions across the back, he’s versatile and that’s something we need.

“Lyle (Taylor) knows him well (from Wimbledon). He’s been having conversations with him, telling him how good it is at our place, to try and encourage him to come because there were other clubs interested in him.”

Speaking after putting pen to paper in SE7, Oshilaja said: “Charlton is a great club with a great fanbase and I’m really excited to get going. I was here (The Valley) for the play-off semi-final and the atmosphere was buzzing then so I can’t wait to get started.”

Meanwhile, Head of Recruitment, Steve Gallen added: “We tried to get Deji in last year, he was one of two players that we actually made bids for last summer.

“We tried to buy him from Wimbledon, they turned down our first, second and third offer, so he’s somebody that I’ve been well aware of for a little while now. I watched him a lot in the last couple of years.

“He’s strong, dependable, quick, athletic, he’s got a very good attitude, he was a captain at Wimbledon and these are the things in particular that we like about him.”

Dele Oshilaja began his career at Cardiff City before spending time on loan at Newport County, Sheffield Wednesday, Gillingham and Wimbledon.