Shea Charles is poised to become the most expensive Northern Ireland international of all time after Premier League club Fulham agreed a deal worth up to £30 million with Championship side Southampton for the midfielder. The 22-year-old is due to undergo a medical before complet
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Shea Charles set to become Northern Ireland's most expensive player as Premier League switch looms
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- Keith Bailie
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Shea Charles is poised to become the most expensive Northern Ireland international of all time after Premier League club Fulham agreed a deal worth up to £30 million with Championship side Southampton for the midfielder.
The 22-year-old is due to undergo a medical before completing a five-year move to Craven Cottage, where he will become the third summer signing by new Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa.
If the deal goes through, it will comfortably outstrip the previous record fee for a Northern Ireland international set when Jamal Lewis joined Newcastle United from Norwich City for £15m in 2020.
Charles, who began his career at Manchester City, had also attracted interest from Leeds United but has opted for a switch to west London.
Southampton boss Tonda Eckert praised his outgoing player for his professionalism.
"I think it's no secret that there have been conversations going on," Eckert told BBC Radio Solent.
"Let's see what the next days bring. The only thing I can say is that Shea's been so professional with all the noise around him.
"For a young player, it's not easy, and he has behaved extraordinarily. I said that to him yesterday, it's not normal if you look at how players behave with noise around them."
Manchester-born Charles has earned 35 caps for Northern Ireland since making his international debut in 2022, who he qualifies to play for due to family ties to Armagh.
His younger brother Pierce also moved this summer, joining Manchester City from Sheffield Wednesday, before the goalkeeper joined Queens Park Rangers on loan.
Fulham begin their league season with a London derby against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday, August 24.
Kaynak: Belfast Telegraph. Telif hakkı kaynak yayına aittir; buradaki metin özet/atıftır.
Orijinal haber: https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/shea-charles-set-to-become-northern-irelands-most-expensive-player-as-premier-league-switch-looms/a/159796550.html