This label that you love to read so much – the ‘[wonderkid](https://www.claretandhugh.info/hands-off-hammers-admit-bids-for-wonderkid-guilherme/)‘ – is frequently applied but not very often appropriate. More often the label is used as a catch-all description of any player under about 22 who has hopes to make it big. However, the player in question here might just be worthy of the term.
Already turning Southampton fans a slight shade of puce, the possibility of West Ham stealing Southampton’s ‘_youngster’_ Shea Charles appears to be on the rise. Having spent a season on-loan in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday, the 21 year old is seen as the player to control the middle of the pitch for the Saints’ foreseeable future: Having paid £15 million for him and sent him on a year long loan to develop him, Southampton fans are apprehensive that ahead of the summer window, their future jewel may be poached by West Ham
As fan site [_saintsmarching.com_](https://saintsmarching.com/southampton-fans-won-t-like-shea-charles-update-after-bitter-january-saga) describes it:
_“Shea Charles is speculated to be drawing midfield attention from West Ham which will not please Southampton fans given the prolonged waiting they have done for the 21-year-old’s return….The Daily Mail is suggesting West Ham as a possible next destination for Charles. Well, it must be said that the Hammers have shown their appreciation for the Saints squad more than anyone else across the Premier League.”_
Earlier in the article they referenced to Southampton’s £15 million acquisition of ‘_Manchester City’s midfield wonderkid’._ Whilst at 21 he’s no ‘kid’ anymore, the hype around his play certainly suggests there is a top young player there ready to burst onto the scene.
Another of the young talent on an upward trajectory that the Hammers seem focussed on for June. Prising him from Southampton at an affordable figure could well prove beyond the West Ham recruitment team – having paid £15 million the Saints will certainly be looking for their PSR profit. Charles does have the look about him of one who will be strutting around in three or four years with a £50 million-plus price tag.
In Claret and Blue kit though? _The heart says’ yes’ but the head says ‘no chance’._