Southampton manager Russell Martin has spoken out on Sheffield Wednesday loan star Shea Charles.
Sheffield Wednesday concluded their summer transfer business with the loan signing of Shea Charles from Southampton.
The former Manchester City man, who’s brothers with Owls goalkeeper Pierce Charles, was the ninth summer signing at Hillsborough, and so far he’s been one of the best.
The 20-year-old has started every Championship since his arrival, finishing all but his first game; the 3-0 defeat against Millwall in which fans said Charles was the ‘only positive’.
Charles has earned huge praise for certain performances. In particular, he impressed during the win against West Brom and then the win at Coventry City, with Charles scoring a late winner.
Wednesday are all the better for having Charles in their XI. But Danny Rohl has admitted he’s worried about Southampton recalling Charles in January.
The Saints signed Charles from Manchester City for a reported fee of £12million in the summer of 2023, and hold the Northern Ireland international in very high regards.
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Russell Martin discusses Shea Charles loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday
Speaking to the press recently, Martin discussed a number of things with no football due to the international break.
One of the topics discussed wad Charles. Martin was asked for his verdict on Charles’ time at Hillsborough so far.
The Saints boss responded humorously, joking that Barry Bannan won’t have to do so much running now that Charles is alongside him.
Martin told the Daily Echo: “He’s probably doing Baz’s running. What is he now, 34? I’m pretty sure Shea has made his job easier.
“He will also give him the ball with a lot of love, care and detail as well. We watched him play against Bristol City and he did some really good things.
“He’s learning – and this is why it will be so important for him, rather than being in and around the first team as an option because the Premier League is such a big jump.
“He’s there, he’s learning and he’s playing in really big games. This loan period will be so good for him.”
Sheffield Wednesday must have Shea Charles plan in place
It’s certain that Sheffield Wednesday don’t eventually sign Charles. But it remains to be seen whether or not Southampton recall him in January.
Martin is fighting for his job right now. A change in manager could change the club’s stance on Charles, though realistically, how much difference a young Charles would make at the foot of the Premier League table remains to be seen.
But Martin clearly suggests that the club are happy with how he’s progressing at Wednesday, and they might be viewing Charles as a strong option for their probable return to the Championship of next season.
Either way, Rohl eventually loses Charles. He must soon have a plan in place for when that happens, be it in January or next summer.