Bristol City handed major boost as play-off spot rivals see star player recalled from loan
Sheffield Wednesday are expected to lose one of their top performers in January
Bristol City’s play-off rivals Sheffield Wednesday have been dealt a major blow in their push for a top six finish after Southampton made the bombshell decision to recall loanee Shea Charles at the final moment.
The Sheffield Star revealed earlier this week that January 15 was the latest date the Premier League club could trigger their recall clause - and timing of the decision suggests that an 11th-hour call was made to break the news to the Owls faithful.
Charles, who registered one goal and four assists from midfield for the South Yorkshire side has been hugely impressive in recent months and will now finally get the opportunity to make a name for himself in England’s top division.
However, as it transpires the Saints will have to wait at least another week before welcoming Charles into their struggling team as seven-day rule allows Wednesday to potentially use the Northern Ireland international in upcoming games against Leeds United at the weekend and crucially Bristol City the following Wednesday.
Shea Charles career so far
Shea Charles made a name for himself in the Manchester City academy and actually made his debut at senior international level for Northern Ireland before making his professional club debut in 2023.
Charles formed part of the Manchester City team which lifted Premier League 2 in 2021/22 alongside prospects such as Cole Palmer, Taylor Harwood Bellis, James Trafford and Liam Delap.
Blessed with the ability to play at left-back, centre-back and central midfield, Charles attracted interest from Southampton who signed the youngster for a reported £15m.
He played 32 times and was a useful squad player for the Saints as they won promotion via the Championship play-offs but was not trusted to be a part of the Premier League squad by Russell Martin, who saw a move to Hillsborough as the best choice for Charles’ development. However, this view seems to have changed based on recent events and Ivan Jurić is now expected to introduce the youngster into the first team picture.
Sheffield Wednesday may still attempt to keep Charles on board, with reports from the South Coast suggesting a deal could be made if an ‘additional loan fee’ is paid. Bristol City are level on 37 points with Sheffield Wednesday but have a slightly superior goal difference at this stage. Both teams are four points behind sixth place Middlesbrough and keen to reach the top-flight for the first time this century.
Bristol City will be keen to get some deals done during the window to boost their chances of success and AI has certainly produced it’s fare share of interesting suggestions. The Robins travel to Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday 22 February in what as it stands will be the final game of Charles' loan stay in South Yorkshire.