Manchester City will reportedly look to re-sign 20-year-old Northern Irish goalkeeper Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday to replace James Trafford this summer.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Sheffield Wednesday shot-stopper Pierce Charles is the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Citizens are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a new backup goalkeeper in the upcoming transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding James Trafford’s long-term future.
However, Manchester City will not be alone in the battle for the Manchester-born goalkeeper’s signature, as Coventry City, Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United, and Newcastle United are also vying for his services. Nevertheless, the Premier League giants are “conducting background checks on his situation and development” ahead of a possible summer move.
Who is Pierce Charles?
Pierce Charles has established himself as one of the best young goalkeeping prospects in the country of his birth since breaking into the first-team squad at Sheffield Wednesday. Shea Charles’s younger brother, the 20-year-old shot-stopper spent most of his formative years with Manchester City but graduated from the youth division at Sheffield Wednesday.
The Northern Ireland international has made 32 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday thus far while keeping two clean sheets and conceding 54 goals. The lack of clean sheets is a result of Sheffield Wednesday’s crippling financial situation, which has left the team bereft of any quality. Nevertheless, Charles has made significant progress and piqued the attention of several well-known clubs, including Manchester City.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Pierce Charles has been a target for several Premier League clubs for a long time. Manchester City’s interest makes sense, as James Trafford faces an uncertain future at the Etihad heading into the summer transfer window. The disgruntled English goalkeeper is unhappy with his situation, as he has been a backup stopper for City.
So, a summer departure is on the cards for Trafford, with several Premier League clubs vying for his signature. However, before selling the Englishman, Manchester City must sign a replacement, and they have set their sights on Charles.
The 20-year-old Northern Ireland international’s familiarity with the club and his rapid progress at Sheffield Wednesday make him an appealing option for Manchester City. However, his other suitors can offer Charles regular game time, and a return to the Etihad is not certain.
