Exclusive: ‘Shocked’ – Shea Charles, Southampton transfer revelation made amid Sheffield Wednesday form
EFL Analysis has exclusive information on the future of Shea Charles, with the Sheffield Wednesday midfielder impressing on loan from Southampton.
Like so many sides in the second tier, Sheffield Wednesday have made great use of the loan market this season, with James Beadle and Shea Charles proving their worth to a side that has more than held its own in the Championship.
Danny Rohl’s side are unlikely to make it into the top six at this stage, especially given the level of competition in the race for the play-offs currently. However, there are positives that they can cling to this season even if Wednesday fail to make a top flight return anytime soon.
Charles has starred for Wednesday since arriving on a season-long loan from Southampton in the summer, scoring one goal and providing five assists in 35 league appearances so far. The Northern Irish international has started in each of those games.
Now, in an EFL Analysis exclusive, we can reveal the chances of Charles perhaps extending his stay at Hillsborough beyond the final eight games of the campaign.
Shea Charles is likely to be playing against Sheffield Wednesday next season
It is fair to say that Charles has not only been one of the Owls’ standout players this season, but he has also been one of the best midfielders in the Championship, and his performances have been integral to his side’s rise up the table in recent months.
Sheffield Wednesday aren’t out of the play-off race just yet, and securing Charles’ services until the end of the season in January was a huge boost to their chances of reaching the top six, even if they fall just short.
Charles was reportedly keen to stay at Hillsborough, but with Southampton believed to be demanding an increased loan fee and wage contribution instead. Dejphon Chansiri renegotiated the arrangement but many Owls supporters will be hoping to retain his services past the season.
The 21-year-old midfielder has been an integral figure in Danny Rohl’s side during his loan spell, demonstrating his defensive aptitude but also his power and composure when handling the ball in the Championship.
EFL Analysis expert Graeme Bailey has offered the latest exclusive information on the situation and how likely he is to be kept by Wednesday or to be a nailed on starter with Southampton in the Championship next term.
He said: “Unfortunately, it is very hard to imagine him staying at Sheffield Wednesday beyond this season, even if they would welcome his return.
“Southampton really like Shea Charles and he has been great in the Championship, which hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“I really would be shocked if he is not at St. Mary’s next season and with a bigger role to play.”
A loan move would perhaps have some merits given the options Southampton are likely to have in midfield, even if a permanent deal is almost impossible to achieve due to the Saints paying Man City close to £10.5 million in 2023, according to Sky Sports.
Charles could yet be joined by his current boss on the south coast, with Rohl also linked with a move to Southampton amid talk of a successor in South Yorkshire.
Shea Charles’ previous comments after signing from Southampton
After re-signing with the Owls until the end of the season in January, Charles spoke of his delight to Sheffield Wednesday’s YouTube channel. He said: “I’m buzzing. It was the plan all along to stay for the season.
“It was a surprise when the call came that I was being recalled, so to stay and finish the season here, I couldn’t be happier. It’s been a bit all over the place and having two games in that space, it’s been hard to focus on both because at one point I thought I was going to be moving back.
“Things change quickly. It’s been a bit weird. I want to do my best and do what’s best for the team and for the fans and the club. I wanted to join in the summer and since I’ve been here, the team, the fans, the coaching staff, and the manager all welcomed me so well at the start.
“It’s only got better, building relationships on the pitch and in the changing room. I’ve loved every minute of it and there’s no reason why I wouldn’t want to stay.”
That last line may offer Sheffield Wednesday some hope in retaining him for one more season on loan, given how settled he is in S6, but it may depend on his first-team opportunities once they become clearer this summer.
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