Fulham agree £30m deal for Southampton's Shea Charles

Fulham have agreed a deal to sign midfielder Shea Charles from Southampton for a package worth up to £30 million, making the 22-year-old the most expensive Northern Irish footballer in history. The transfer, which is subject to a medical, will see Charles move to Craven Cottage on a five-year contract.

The deal is structured as an initial £26 million fee with an additional £4 million in performance-related add-ons. Southampton will also retain a sell-on clause. Charles is scheduled to undergo his medical on Monday, August 10, 2026. The move comes after Leeds United had multiple bids for the midfielder rejected by Southampton earlier in the summer.

Charles joined Southampton from Manchester City in 2023 for approximately £15 million. He spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday before returning to St Mary's for the 2025-26 campaign, where he made 38 appearances, scoring six goals and providing two assists. His performances were a key factor in Southampton reaching the Championship playoffs, where they were ultimately disqualified by the English Football League for attempting to spy on opponents.

The transfer fills a significant gap for Fulham following the departure...