Premier League giants Manchester City have reportedly “entered the picture” for Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles as they look to make their move this summer – but face a fight for his signature with a host of clubs from across England and beyond interested.
With Charles’ club side Sheffield Wednesday suffering relegation to League One, it seems almost certain the 20-year-old will earn a high-profile move away from the Owls in the coming months.
Charles has established himself as Northern Ireland’s number one under Michael O’Neill and also impressed in the Championship.
His season has been impacted by a pair of shoulder injuries – the first forced him to miss Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifying campaign – but he has returned to top form in recent weeks, making 11 saves in Monday’s 1-1 draw against Leicester City.
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)placeholder image
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Charles was linked with interest from Rangers and West Ham United last summer and admiration has only continued to grow throughout this term despite Sheffield Wednesday’s struggles.
TEAMtalk have reported City are preparing to make their move for Charles with Italian superstar Gianluigi Donnarumma likely requiring a back-up for next season with James Trafford set for a move away.
However, Charles will have a host of options to consider with Frank Lampard’s Coventry City, who are on the cusp of sealing a Premier League return, Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United and Newcastle United all monitoring the young goalkeeper.
BlueCo, the owners of Chelsea, are also reportedly tracking Charles with the intention of sending him to Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg.
Charles came through the youth ranks at Man City alongside older brother Shea before joining Sheffield Wednesday in 2021.
He has since made 23 Championship appearances and racked up 10 caps for Northern Ireland, including starting in last month’s World Cup play-off semi-final defeat to Italy in Bergamo.
O’Neill reserved special praise for Charles after his performance, saying: "He's 20 years of age, I thought he was magnificent.
"I think his decision-making – yes, the saves that he made at key moments – but his decision-making was excellent.
"He doesn't bring any pressure onto his back three, which I think is rare in a goalkeeper of that age. He's got a brilliant temperament.”
Despite the growing interest in Charles, Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen is keen to retain his services as they look to seal an immediate return to the Championship next season.
"He is a fantastic goalkeeper,” Pedersen told BBC Radio Sheffield earlier this week. “Normally we speak about Pierce being top with his feet, he also showed how mentally strong he is and how strong he is defensively.
"I think there's nobody that has doubt for his potential. He has a big, big future, that's why we are really, really proud and really happy that he's a part of Sheffield Wednesday.
"We will do everything we can to keep him for the future."