New signing Billy Koumetio is ready to hit the ground running as he becomes Nathan Jones’ second signing of the summer transfer window.
Speaking after putting pen to paper on a four-year deal in SE7, the defender said: “I am very happy about the move here; we have been talking about it for quite a long time now. I am very happy to get started at a very good club in a good league, and hopefully there are a lot of things we can do, and I can’t wait to get started."
The 23-year-old arrives at The Valley from Dundee, having played in France, Austria, England and Scotland and he has revealed that his time in the Scottish Premiership was particularly key to his development.
“I have learnt a lot, I think Dundee was a good step for me in my career," explained Koumetio.
"The managers there helped me a lot to improve my game. They gave me a lot of things to work on and improve on, now I am a better player for it. I know that I am going to keep improving, I know I am going to learn things here as well, I am not a finished player, we are learning every day.”
Meanwhile, he explained that his conversations with his new boss Jones helped persuade him to make the move to SE7.
“We had a good chat to be honest, he spoke to me about the vision that he has for the club, the vision he has within the club and for the players as well," he said.
"He spoke to me about how he wants to have the team, how he wants me to play, how well can I adapt and how all those things will help me become a better person and a better player. It was all quite straight forward to be honest.
"When he spoke to me about the project he has for me, it was quite convincing, from that day when I spoke to him, I knew this was the best move I could make for my career, I think it is going to be top.
“I would say that I am a very intelligent player, I am young, but I like to play from the back, and I am good with both feet. I am aggressive defensively; there are a lot of things I do well. I can play well from the back, I give a sense of stability, so hopefully I can add to the team.”
Meanwhile, the Addicks kick-off their pre-season on Friday, July 3rd, as they take on Dartford in their first friendly (7.45pm BST).
“It will be a good first experience, we need those minutes, to get to know the boys a bit more. It will be top to learn the system and how the manager wants us to play, you need those games to prepare for the season, so I can’t wait for that.”
Click here to secure your season ticket for the 2026/27 Sky Bet Championship campaign now.
