Manchester City are considering re-signing Shea Charles this summer if James Trafford leaves the Etihad Stadium.
The former Bolton Wanderers man was signed with the view to becoming the first choice during Pep Guardiola’s final season in charge of the Cityzens, but was knocked onto the bench following the late-window signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Named as one of the three shot stoppers on the plane to represent England at the upcoming World Cup, the Cockermouth-born man was brought to East Manchester for £27 million as part of a buy-back clause inserted in his Burnley deal, but only managed 17 appearances in his debut season.
Transfer Dominoes Lined Up
Trafford’s place as a number two has unsettled him, and now have multiple Premier League sides courting his services, with Newcastle United among the pack as they look unlikely to renew Aaron Ramsdale’s loan.
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That has now set City on the path to find a new backup goalkeeper for next season, and according to TalkSPORT, they have identified Sheffield Wednesday‘s Pierce Charles as an option.
A former academy graduate of the Blues, along with brother Shea, Charles signed for the Owls in 2021, and has emerged as the first-choice goalkeeper throughout their turbulent seasons in the Championship.
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Having an injury-stricken season, the 20-year-old has only managed to make 19 appearances in the second tier as Wednesday were relegated to League One.
Nevertheless, that has not stopped sides in trying to court the Northern Ireland international, with Cardiff City briefly linked with Charles prior to signing Nathan Trott on a permanent transfer.
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Should Charles Make The Leap?
James Trafford is not likely to remain at Manchester City beyond this season, with a whole host of clubs wanting to sign him, and now Manchester City will have to consider their next steps.
Marcus Bettinelli has filled Scott Carson’s role as the elder statesman in the goalkeeping department, meaning that Enzo Maresca, should he indeed succeed Pep Guardiola, will have to find a new backup to Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Pierce Charles is a Manchester native, and given his previous history with the club, it does seem like a straightforward option, but he should take some time before making a decision.
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Sheffield Wednesday have now reached the bottom of their downward spiral, and with David Storch looking to bring the side back from a horrid few years, optimism is rife at Hillsborough.
Moving to Manchester City may indeed guarantee him some game time in the top competitions, with Trafford primarily playing as the cup keeper, but sitting on the bench most weeks may not be as enticing to a player.
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Given the amount of money they could raise from a sale, Wednesday should sanction a move and allow one of their brightest stars in years to become the keeper of the future at one of England’s biggest clubs.