Manchester City are nearing an agreement to re-sign goalkeeper Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday, according to TEAMtalk. Personal terms have been agreed with the 20-year-old Northern Ireland international, and the deal is now in its final stages, with only details between the two clubs remaining. The move is expected to facilitate the departure of James Trafford this summer.
Charles began his career in Manchester City’s academy before moving to Hillsborough in search of regular first-team opportunities. He has since developed into one of Britain’s most promising young goalkeepers, earning 12 senior caps for Northern Ireland. City have been closely monitoring his progress and are now keen to bring him back to the Etihad Stadium.
However, new head coach Enzo Maresca is still considering Charles’ immediate role within the squad. While Trafford is expected to leave, Maresca has yet to decide whether Charles will serve as the direct understudy to Gianluigi Donnarumma or if the club will pursue a more experienced backup goalkeeper. Several clubs are reportedly interested in Trafford, including Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Leeds.
Tottenham are particularly strong contenders for Trafford’s signature, and his potential move could be accelerated by City’s impending agreement with Charles. City are also considering other goalkeeping options, with former Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer having been offered to several top European clubs, including the Citizens. Maresca will assess Charles during pre-season before making a final decision on further recruitment in the goalkeeping department.
The transfer is expected to be finalised in the coming days, marking a return to the club for Charles after he sought first-team experience elsewhere. This move allows City to strengthen their goalkeeping options while potentially generating funds from the sale of Trafford, addressing both short-term needs and long-term planning within the squad.
