Southampton coach lauds Shea Charles' conduct amid £30m Fulham move
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert praised midfielder Shea Charles for his professionalism as the 22-year-old prepares to join Fulham in a deal worth up to £30 million.
Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert commended Shea Charles for maintaining a high level of professionalism despite ongoing rumors about his future. Charles, a 22-year-old midfielder who signed for the Saints in 2023, has appeared 76 times and scored six goals, including decisive strikes against Leicester, Arsenal and Middlesbrough. After being named on the bench for the EFL Cup match with Colchester United, he was seen clapping for the supporters on his own, a gesture interpreted as a farewell.
Fulham have now secured an agreement that could rise to £30 million, subject to a medical examination, which would set a new record for a Northern Irish footballer. Eckert highlighted that Charles' behavior stands out compared with how other players often react to similar attention. The next steps will determine whether the transfer proceeds.
Why it matters
The transfer sets a record fee for a Northern Irish player and reflects how clubs value young talent.
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