- Crystal Palace eye Shea Charles
- Southampton’s FA Cup hero also wanted by Nottingham Forest
- Youngster could follow in Morgan Rogers’ footsteps
Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Southampton midfielder Shea Charles but face competition from Nottingham Forest. The Northern Irish youngster starred in the Saints’ incredible win over Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend.
Charles scored the winner in a 2-1 win over Premier League leaders Arsenal. He took his tally for the season to four goals and two assists in 29 games across competitions.
The 22-year-old has proven to be one of the brightest talents in English football this season. His performances haven’t gone unnoticed as Palace and Forest are now eyeing him.
Crystal Palace Eyeing Shea Charles
A report from Football Insider claims that Palace are interested in Charles and could look to bring him to Selhurst Park this summer. It’s suggested that he could arrive as a potential replacement for Daichi Kamada, but Adam Wharton’s uncertain future is also noted.
Manchester United are also thought to be keeping tabs on the Manchester-born midfielder. He will have a year left on his contract this summer, which puts pressure on Southampton to either cash in or reach an agreement on a new long-term deal.
Charles will have the chance to show interested clubs what he’s all about at Wembley later this month. He comes up against his former club, Manchester City, in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Shea Charles Could be Another Morgan Rogers
Charles is a product of Manchester City’s academy but couldn’t quite make it at senior level at the Etihad. He made just one single appearance under Pep Guardiola, although the Spanish tactician praised the ‘composed’ Northern Ireland international:
“Shea Charles against this team with top, top strikers, fast and strong, it’s not the easiest debut. At the same time we don’t play for points. He played really good and it’s fantastic for the academy. We know him, he trains quite regularly with us, he’s so good, so composed.”
Southampton swooped for his signature in the summer of 2023 for an initial £10.5m fee. He’s since made 67 appearances at St Mary’s and already caught the eye of Premier League clubs.
There are similarities between Charles and Morgan Rogers, who also broke through City’s youth academy. He also headed to the EFL Championship with Middlesbrough when he realised he would be waiting in the wings at the Etihad.
Rogers has exploded into one of English football’s best attacking talents. Now at Aston Villa, he is one of the most highly-admired playmakers, and Palace could be hoping for a similar outcome if they were to sign Charles.
