'Big, big step up' - Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles sent transfer message amid Rangers links
Talented Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles is likely to attract plenty of interest in this summer’s transfer window.
Former Birmingham City and Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has claimed he believes goalkeeper Pierce Charles would be “happy” to swap Sheffield Wednesday for Rangers this summer.
Ahead of the summer transfer window opening on June 15, the talented shot-stopper is already being linked with a plethora of clubs following a string of impressive performances for the Owls this season.
The 20-year-old, who has just over a year remaining on his Wednesday contract, has been excellent since returning from a second shoulder injury of the season last month, making a string of impressive saves over the course of several eye-catching performances.
Wednesday, of course, will say farewell to the Championship when they host West Bromwich Albion at Hillsborough on Saturday as they prepare for a fourth stint in League One since dropping out of the Premier League 26 years ago.
A consequence of the Owls falling through the Championship trapdoor is that they could struggle to retain their most valuable assets. Interest is already mounting in midfielder Svante Ingelsson and Charles, for example.
Renowned for his outstanding kicking ability and his excellent shot-stopping credentials, Wednesday are likely to be inundated with interest in Charles this summer, meaning they could face a real fight to keep hold of the Northern Ireland international.
Scottish club Rangers, who are managed by former Owls boss Danny Röhl, are one of several clubs to have been credited with interest in the goalkeeper, and former goal-getter Phillips believes a move to Ibrox would be a very attractive option for the former Manchester City youngster.
“It’s a big, big step up for him,” Phillips, as quoted by The Scotsman, told BestBettingSites.co.uk. “Sheffield Wednesday, unfortunately, has conceded a lot of goals this season.
“He’s had to make a lot of saves, and he’s been very, very busy. And to jump from there to the Scottish Premiership, two massive football clubs. Listen, I think he’d be happy to go.
“He would certainly go there, and he wouldn’t get tested as much. He’s a very good goalkeeper. I think the player would only want to go somewhere knowing he’s going to play week in and week out, and they’re two big giants. So if he gets that opportunity, then brilliant for his career.”
After missing the Owls’ 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough at the Riverside last Wednesday night with a back problem, Charles returned for last Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium. He is expected to start between the posts in Saturday’s season finale against West Brom.