- Charles scored Southampton winner in FA Cup quarter-final to knock out Arsenal.
- Midfielder has scored two goals and made one assist this season for Southampton
- Toffees face competition from Man Utd, but at £20m he may opt for Merseyside.
Everton are scouring the market for midfield reinforcements. With Idrissa Gana Gueye now 35 and in the last part of his contract, David Moyes is preparing for a summer of change in the engine room. One name that has emerged is Southampton’s FA Cup hero, Shea Charles.
The 22‑year‑old came off the bench to score Southampton’s FA Cup quarter‑final winner over Arsenal at the weekend. The Northern Ireland international has made 34 appearances this season, scoring four goals, and is now attracting serious Premier League interest.
Everton among clubs monitoring Shea Charles
According to the Daily Mail, Everton and Manchester United are among the clubs that are scouting Shea Charles. Two other Premier League clubs are understood to be monitoring the midfielder as well, along with an Italian side.
Shea Charles, who had been captain of Manchester City’s U21s, was signed by Southampton for an initial £11m in 2023. He is under contract until June 2027, with an option to extend by a further year. The report says Saints value Charles at around £20m.
Everton interest in Shea Charles is logical. Gueye is nearing the end of his contract, and the Toffees need young, energetic midfielders who can grow with the club. Charles has already shown he can perform under pressure. He was also on the scoresheet against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup earlier this season.
A proven performer with room to grow
Charles spent time on loan at Sheffield Wednesday under Danny Rohl, where he went on to become their player of the year and was nominated for the Championship Young Player of the Year. Rohl, now manager of Rangers, is keen to take Charles again this summer but the Scottish side will not be able to compete financially.
As per Sofascore, the midfielder has played 24 games this season. He has started 16 and has registered two goals and one assist. He averages 1.7 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 5.0 duels won per game, with an 85 per cent pass completion rate.
Charles was recently scouted again by several clubs while representing Northern Ireland in their World Cup play‑off defeat to Italy in Bergamo. His capablility of playing as a defensive midfielder or in a more advanced role would appeal to David Moyes.
With Gueye likely to depart and James Garner, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Merlin Rohl forming the core of Everton’s midfield, adding a young, hungry player like Shea Charles would provide depth and long‑term value.
I believe Southampton’s valuation of £20m is not unreasonable, and competition from Manchester United and others could drive the price. But Everton have the advantage of a clear pathway to regular minutes. Something Shea Charles will prioritize after his loan experience at Sheffield Wednesday.
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