Goalkeeper situation takes another turn
Manchester City are closing in on a deal to bring Pierce Charles back to the club, though the immediate plan for the Northern Ireland international remains up in the air.
The 20-year-old is set to return to the Etihad from Sheffield Wednesday, with City lining him up as cover with James Trafford heading for the exit. Trafford wants guaranteed Premier League minutes, and there is interest from Newcastle and Tottenham.
City have acted quickly to put a succession plan in place. Charles, who came through the City Football Academy before moving to Hillsborough in 2021, has been identified as the man to fill the gap.
His stock has risen sharply despite a difficult season at Sheffield Wednesday. The club were relegated from the Championship to League One, but Charles stood out — his composure and tactical maturity earning him the No.1 jersey for Northern Ireland at senior level.
According to MailSport's Simon Jones, City are finalising a deal worth an initial £3 million guaranteed, with add-ons that could push the total past £10 million. Charles has already completed his medical and is ready to sign a long-term contract.
“City are closing in on a deal to sign goalkeeper Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday, with the 20-year-old initially brought in as cover as James Trafford looks to depart the Etihad Stadium,” Jones reports.
The question now is what happens next. Charles could stay and understudy Gianluigi Donnarumma, offering strong squad depth. Or he could go out on loan.
Championship side QPR are keen to take him for the 2026-27 season. A year of regular first-team football in a competitive league would give Charles the kind of experience that sitting on the bench cannot provide.
City have a decision to make: keep him close or let him develop elsewhere. Either way, the long-term plan is clear.