Everton have now joined Leeds United in the race for Shea Charles, and Southampton are now willing to cash-in for the right price.
The Saints may struggle to hold onto their better players this summer, after failing to win promotion from the Championship last season in dramatic fashion, being expelled from the play-offs due to the ‘Spygate’ saga.
Charles is certainly among Tonda Eckert’s most important players, having made 38 appearances for the Saints in all competitions last season, perhaps most notably scoring the winner in the shock 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final triumph against Arsenal.
Leeds United are known to be in ongoing talks to sign the 35-cap Northern Ireland international, who was lauded as “unbelievable” by Championship YouTuber Ryan Dilks as a result of his performances for Sheffield Wednesday during the 2024-25 season.
However, a rival Premier League club have now entered the picture to hijack the Whites’ move.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Everton and Leeds are both in the market for a new central midfielder this summer, with the latter already holding talks regarding a deal for the Southampton star. Fulham’s Sander Berge and Championship Player of the Season winner Hayden Hackney are of interest to the Toffees, so the links to Charles make a lot of sense. |
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Finances |
That said, signing the Northern Irishman could be a relatively costly operation, given that his current employers are set to hold out for £30m, which Leeds have been unwilling to pay thus far. |
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Insight |
The 22-year-old is yet to make an appearance in the Premier League, but he has started to amass plenty of experience at first-team level, making 106 Championship appearances with the Saints and Sheffield Wednesday. Last season, the midfielder picked up three goals and two assists in 31 league outings. |
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Impact |
With Charles playing a major role in Southampton’s remarkable run to the FA Cup semi-final, and their push for promotion to the Premier League, losing him this summer would be tough to take. That said, a move to a stable Premier League club such as Everton could be difficult to turn down, and a player of his calibre could help David Moyes‘ side get over the line in their quest to qualify for Europe next season. |
Everton enter the race to sign Shea Charles
According to a report from The Daily Mail, Everton have now stormed into the race for Charles, which could be an issue for Leeds, who have already had two bids in excess of £20m knocked back by the Championship club.
Daniel Farke’s side remain in active talks, but the Saints are eager to hold out for £30m, which would arguably be a high fee to shell out on a player yet to prove himself in the Premier League.
Shea Charles could be brought in to replace Idrissa Gueye
It appears as though Idrissa Gueye could be heading for the exit door, with the 134-cap Senegal international’s current contract set to expire at the end of June.
At 36-years-old, Gueye is in the twilight years of his career, but he remained a consistent starter when available last season, making 25 Premier League appearances.
Although the Everton midfielder is still performing at the top level, starting all three of Senegal’s World Cup group games, given his age, it could be time for Moyes to bring in a long-term replacement.
Much like Gueye, who predominantly features in a deeper role, Charles also flourishes defensively, averaging 2.1 tackles per 90 in the Championship last term, the second-highest number in the Southampton squad.
Everton make approach to sign former Celtic star who was praised by Pele
The Toffees have reached out over a potential move.