It would be fair to say that Southampton have had a tough year. Relegation, record low points total, managerial changes- it has been a test of endurance for Saints fans who now find themselves expelled from England’s top tier and back in the gritty endurance competition that is the Championship.
Already resigned to losing first team players Aaron Ramsdale and Taylor Harwood Bellis, supporters had been growing ever-anxious over the future of their young ‘prodigy’ Shea Charles. Leeds, Arsenal, West Ham – a host of Premier League clubs have been expressing interest in the 21 year old former Manchester City starlet who signed for Southampton in 2023.
Important to state here that Manchester City do have a buy back clause: So if young Shea performs too well he’s liable to be back in the blue side of Manchester City before any of the aforementioned Premeir League sides can get their cheque books out. However saintsmarching.com take great pleasure in reporting that Charles might not be ready for the step up:
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“Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has questioned the prodigy’s current level to be insufficient for the Premier League. Recently, [speaking to EFL Analysis, ] Bailey opined on Charles’ departure links, saying: “I don’t see him being ready for the Premier League, to be honest. I think we will see him in Southampton colours next season first and foremost.”
Which has gone down very well with Saints fans who are desperate to hang on to they prodigy as he turns into the real deal over the next season and helps them escape the Championship once more. The Saints need to trim hundreds of thousands off their weekly wage bill after relegation but there are far bigger earners – such as Ramsdale – which they’ll be hopeful of convincing West Ham to take, whilst keeping Charles at St Mary’s.
Did West Ham ever stand a chance of buying the youngster? Without any ready funds and with huge holes in the London Stadium squad, it is unlikely that the Hammers would have prioritised Charles this season. So for the Saints – just the chance they can hang on to their prodigy for another year.