Sheffield Wednesday have been linked with a swoop for free agent Charlie Goode.
Sheffield Wednesday are looking to begin their summer transfer business early ahead of next month’s window opening.
The Owls are reportedly eager to snap up Charlie Goode, shortly after he was released by Brentford.
The defender’s game-time has been limited in the English capital and he could now look for a fresh start further down the English pyramid.
Here we break down Goode’s career and what has been said about him…
Charlie Goode career so far
Charlie Goode came through the academy ranks at Fulham before he was released at 16 years old.
The defender – who previously played as both a midfielder and a forward – then dropped all the way down to non-league football with Harefield United.
Goode was then forced to make his way back up again, playing for Hadley, AFC Hayes and Hendon, before getting his big break at Scunthorpe United in League One.
He eventually joined Northampton ad was named their captain as they won the 2020 League Two play-off final, before he was named the Supporters’ Player of the year and was also in the League Two PFA Team of the Year.
Goode’s impressive displays saw him earn his move to Brentford for just over £1 million.
The centre-back never established a regular place in the Bees’ team, making only eight appearances as they won promotion to the top flight.
He has also made six Premier League appearances, but has spent most of his time out on loan since they were promoted.
His time at Blackpool, Sheffield United and Wigan was limited too, making a total of 15 appearances, largely due to injury.
With Goode surplus to requirements, it came as no surprise when he was released by the club and is now searching for a fresh start.
What has been said about Charlie Goode
Despite rarely playing him, Brentford manager Thomas Frank has previously had plenty good to say about Goode.
Following his arrival at the club, Frank said: “He has good quality on the ball which we feel we can develop further within our style of play.
“The pathway through the non-league and lower leagues develops you hugely as a person and builds your character in ways that I really like.
“I feel Charlie can add something to the team in that regard, especially given his leadership qualities.
“We are sure that he will grow and develop further with us over the coming years and that, in turn, he will help us go forward as a club too.”
Yorkshire Live also hailed him after his loan switch to Sheffield United, claiming he was ‘good technically’ and was ‘perfect’ for the Championship, praising his ‘remarkable’ rise from non-league.
Charlie Goode player profile
• Full name: Charlie James Goode
• Age: 28
• Height: 1.96m (6ft 5in)
• Nationality: English
• Date of birth: 3rd August 1995
• Place of birth: Watford, England
• Position: Centre-back
• Club: Free-agent
How Charlie Goode can help Sheffield Wednesday
Charlie Goode has only racked up 36 appearances since leaving Northampton in 2020, so is unlikely to become a regular for Sheffield Wednesday.
The defender may not even be a huge upgrade on the backline that really impressed in the second half of the campaign either, so he is likely to just add some squad depth and more options for Danny Rohl.
However, the real advantage to having Goode in the team is definitely his height.
He would be comfortably the tallest member of the squad and could add a real physical presence that the Owls have been lacking.
Wednesday only managed to score 10 goals from set pieces last season, while they conceded 14 – the sixth-most in the Championship.
The Owls really need to be more of a threat in both boxes and Goode would certainly help with that.
Even if he didn’t start games, Rohl could bring the 28-year-old on to defend the box or try to score a goal.
Given that he’s a free agent, it could well be a risk-free move worth going for.