Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri disclosed to Owls supporters at a fans forum last night that Shea Charles has been recalled by parent club Southampton.
While neither club have released a statement confirming the news, the Thai businessman dropped the news late last night after briefly leaving the room to take a phone call.
It was believed that the Saints had until January 15th to recall the midfielder, leaving their decision until the very last second. Charles has excelled in his 24 games in blue and white this term.
Chansiri’s Comments
Earlier in the evening, Chansiri had spoken confidently about keeping the young midfielder at Wednesday for the whole campaign. This was his first loan away from the South Coast, moving to St Mary’s in 2023 from Manchester City.
“I don’t worry about Southampton taking them back. He’s good but not ready for Southampton,” he said.
Charles played a total of 38 games last season as the Saints won promotion via the Play-Offs from this division. After he had confirmed the news, the owner then doubled down on his claims about the Northern Irish international.
“In my opinion, he is not ready for the Premier League. They need to try and let him go somewhere to play games,” Chansiri later added.
What Next?
With the news not official by either side yet, it’s difficult to envisage what is next for the 21-year-old.
It has been rumoured that Charles may though be available for selection for the Owls next two encounters, including the trip to face Leeds United on Sunday.
And there is still the possibility that the Northern Irishman returns to Hillsborough for the second half of the campaign. There is a mention of an additional loan fee being required for the Saints midfielder to return to South Yorkshire.
But, in further devastating developments in S6, Steel City rivals Sheffield United are being touted as a possible destination, if he does go back out on loan.
Writer’s View
It was a catastrophic evening at Hillsborough last night for both the owner and supporters, but this was the icing on the cake. Charles had enjoyed a terrific loan at Hillsborough, but the timing of the recall, amid other comments about Southampton yesterday evening, suggests something bigger is at play. What is evidently a confusing and baffling situation does feel disappointing given that a young lad is stuck in the middle of it all.
