LONDON: The Shea Charles Fulham transfer could reach £30 million after the Premier League club signed the midfielder from Southampton on August 11. The reported fee sets a Northern Ireland record.
Fulham said Charles, 22, signed a five-year contract through June 2031. The agreement includes another 12-month option, and he will wear No. 19.
Fulham and Southampton did not disclose the price; it was initially £26 million, plus £4 million in performance-related add-ons.
Charles told FFCtv he was “buzzing” to complete the move. He said he hoped to “really kickstart my Premier League career” at Craven Cottage.
Southampton said Charles made 76 appearances and scored six goals after joining from Manchester City in 2023. He won promotion in his first season before spending the next campaign on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.
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Charles joined Manchester City’s academy at seven. He made his Northern Ireland debut in June 2022, before playing his first senior club match.
Michael O’Neill named Charles Northern Ireland captain in November 2024, shortly after his 21st birthday, BBC Sport said. Fulham host Chelsea at Craven Cottage in London on August 24 to open their 2026-27 Premier League campaign.
