(Credit: Imago)
Fri 15 August 2025 15:18, UK
Rangers and West Ham are the clubs linked with a move for Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles.
Russell Martin wants Rangers to sign a keeper in this transfer window despite having Jack Butland and Liam Kelly as the first and second options.
Charles, 20, has emerged as a legitimate target for the Ibrox outfit, who are looking to sign him at a bargain given Wednesday’s financial woes.
Rangers have tabled a bid north of £1million for the Northern Ireland international, but they did not hear back from the English Championship club.
Butland has started the season strongly. (Credit: Imago)Rangers walk away from Charles’ transfer
Wednesday’s reluctance to do a deal at that price has seen the Glasgow outfit walk away from the deal.
While Charles was unlikely to replace Butland as the number one for the 2025/26 campaign, he was viewed as a long-term option.
If they are to secure his services, they will have to beat another club to it, as Strasbourg have entered the race as well.
Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath reported on 15 August that his “French sources” have told him that the Ligue 1 side are considering a move for the young keeper.
Both Gers and West Ham have walked away as they want to avoid a bidding war.
Read More: Anthony Elanga is a big fan of the potential new Rangers recruit
Strasbourg are interested in a deal for Sheffield Wednesday keeper Pierce Charles, according to French sources. As revealed by @TeleFootball yesterday West Ham and Rangers walked away from deals after no response to bids.
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— Mike McGrath (@mcgrathmike) August 15, 2025
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Kevin Thelwell must push to sign Charles
Rangers may regret abandoning their pursuit of Charles, who could have been their long-term successor to Butland.
The Northern Ireland international, with 17 appearances for Wednesday, has showcased his potential, earning praise for his command and distribution.
With Butland’s form questioned last season and Liam Kelly as the primary backup, it makes sense to have a proven high-potential keeper at the club.
Charles’ stats for Sheffield Wednesday.
Negotiations collapsed due to Wednesday’s unreasonable demands, but Kevin Thelwell should push for the 20-year-old to secure a future number one, as his skills align with modern goalkeeping demands and could stabilise Rangers’ goalkeeping unit for years.
Failing to revisit this deal risks missing a generational talent.
Charles was seen as a high-reward investment despite his inexperience, offering resale value and the chance to develop under Butland.
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