Football League World
·21. November 2024
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·21. November 2024
It doesn't look as though the Gunners will be able to secure a January deal for Charles, with the Saints' stance emerging.
Southampton are reportedly not planning to recall Shea Charles from his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday when the January window opens.
This is according to Sheffield Wednesday News, who have reported that the Saints are currently happy with the progress that the Northern Irishman is currently making at Hillsborough.
Charles played a part in his parent club's promotion-winning season last term, but spent a decent chunk of time on the pitch and barely featured in the play-offs.
With this in mind, the fact the Saints were promoted at the end of last term and the fact the likes of Mateus Fernandes and Lesley Ugochukwu arrived to strengthen the club's midfield department, it was no surprise when Charles was allowed to depart the club on loan.
He has played a decent role for the Owls this season, winning plenty of game time under Danny Rohl and developing well, which is exactly what the Saints will want.
The player will be frustrated that he didn't play his parent club in the EFL Cup - because that could have given him the opportunity to show Russell Martin what he was missing - but he's still doing well in South Yorkshire and will be pleased with how things are going so far.
He joined the Owls when the season had already started, so the fact he has been able to shine is impressive, and he will be hoping to continue starting regularly in the coming months.
His performances have even allowed him to attract interest from Premier League giants Arsenal, who already have plenty of excellent midfielders at their disposal, but could also look to add the Northern Irishman to their squad.
According to Sheffield Wednesday News, the Saints currently have no intention of recalling Charles during the January window.
The player is believed to be happy in South Yorkshire at this stage, and with the Saints also happy with his progress, the chances of him returning to St Mary's in January appear to be slim.
Wednesday are unlikely to want him to go back to his parent club either, considering he's been a very important player under Rohl and could be integral for the Owls in the coming months.
However, the report does state that the Saints' boss Martin's situation needs to be considered, because he hasn't been able to make a decent start to the season with his side and a change in the dugout could come sooner rather than later if he can't secure some positive results after the international break.
Charles would surely be excited by a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta's side may have stuttered at times this season, but they have established themselves as title challengers in recent years and the midfielder will want to be involved in that.
However, at 21, game time is the most important thing for the player at this point.
This is why he should remain at Hillsborough for the remainder of the season - because he's gaining plenty of valuable experience there.
He is also plying his trade under Rohl, who is an extremely talented young coach.