18-year-old Ilves Midfielder Otto Tiitinen Joins Charlton on Season-Long Loan with Option to Buy

The 18-year-old will spend the season with Charlton Athletic, who hold an option to make the transfer permanent, Ilves confirmed to local paper Tamperelainen.

Ilves sporting director Iikka Miettinen said the club, together with Tiitinen and his representatives, saw a loan as the best next step for his development. The competitive environment of English football at Charlton, he said, should help Tiitinen reach a higher level. It is a big opportunity for the young midfielder.

The deal gives Tiitinen a season in the English second tier. Ilves hopes the spell will accelerate his progression while Charlton evaluates the purchase option at the end of the loan. It follows Ilves' earlier season-long loans of players abroad, such as Roope Taponen's loan to HC Davos.