Leeds United 'remain interested' in Southampton's ex-Sheffield Wednesday and Manchester City man Shea Charles
Talk of Leeds United interest in Southampton’s ex-Sheffield Wednesday loan star Shea Charles resurfaces
Leeds United have reportedly retained interest in Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.
The 22-year-old, a product of Manchester City’s academy, was among the most impressive midfielders in the Championship over the course of the 2025/26 campaign.
However, he missed out on the Championship play-off final after Southampton were thrown out following the ‘spygate’ scandal.
Leeds United ‘remain interested’ in Southampton star
Leeds have previously been linked with Charles, who spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Sheffield Wednesday. According to Football Insider, the Whites remain interested in striking a deal for the Northern Ireland international.
It has been claimed Charles is likely to depart St Mary’s, with the Saints anticipating exits over the course of the summer.
Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke told the Transfer Insider Podcast: “Leeds have held a long-term interest in Shea Charles. They considered a move for him last summer following his impressive spell on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, so I’m sure they will continue to keep tabs on the defensive midfielder.
“If Charles seeks a move away from St Mary’s this summer, I think there’ll be a wide open race for him and Leeds are just one of probably several clubs who would be interested in the Northern Ireland International.”
Leeds United links
Charles is not the only Southampton player to have been reported as a potential target for Leeds, who have also been credited with interest in playmaker Leo Scienza.
Both have been standouts in the second tier and appear ready to make the step-up to the Premier League. Charles was part of the Southampton side promoted from the Championship in 2024, but the feat was followed by a loan switch to South Yorkshire instead of top-flight opportunities.
During his season on loan at Hillsborough, Charles played with his younger brother Pierce, a goalkeeping prodigy who is also said to have been looked at Leeds.