{"id":345878,"date":"2025-08-15T06:43:12","date_gmt":"2025-08-15T06:43:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/345878\/"},"modified":"2025-08-15T06:43:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T06:43:12","slug":"west-hams-fantastic-pierce-charles-stance-explained-as-sheffield-wednesday-react-to-bid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/345878\/","title":{"rendered":"West Ham’s ‘fantastic’ Pierce Charles stance explained as Sheffield Wednesday react to bid"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Less than a week after West Ham United completed the \u00a318 million signing of Mads Hermansen from Leicester City, another Championship shot-stopper has entered the fray in the shape of Pierce Charles.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sheffield Wednesday\u2019s financial issues under the despised Dejphon Chansiri are once again proving to be a massive distraction for a club who could yet receive a colossal points deduction due to the late payment of wages.<\/p>\n

The Owls have just 16 senior players at their disposal too. A number which may yet drop further between now and the beginning of September.<\/p>\n

Because Hammers News <\/strong>can confirm, via our chief football correspondent, that a bid recently arrived from West Ham United<\/a> for their highly-rated young goalkeeper Pierce Charles.<\/p>\n

At the age of 20, Charles is already Wednesday\u2019s go-to option between the sticks.<\/p>\n

And while Graham Potter hinted that Mads Hermansen will be his first-choice<\/a> when the Premier League campaign kicks off this weekend \u2013 the former Leicester City glovesman is expected to make his debut away at Sunderland \u2013 the uncertainty surrounding Alphonse Areola opens the door for Charles to join the London Stadium outfit before competing for a starting place for years to come.<\/p>\n

\"PiercePhoto by James Gill \u2013 Danehouse\/Getty ImagesSheffield Wednesday block West Ham United\u2019s Pierce Charles move<\/p>\n

Charles made his ninth league appearance as Sheffield Wednesday suffered a valiant defeat to pre-season promotion favourites Leicester City on Sunday.<\/p>\n

The Northern Ireland international made no fewer than 11 saves at the King Power Stadium, only to be undone by a late Wout Faes header.<\/p>\n

That is one more than Mads Hermansen produced in what felt like the Dane\u2019s breakout display in the division above. Hermansen was \u2018unbelievable\u2019 when Leicester beat West Ham<\/a> back in December, to quote then-Foxes boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.<\/p>\n

Bailey, meanwhile, insists that although Chansiri remains extremely-unpopular amongst Wednesday supporters, the owner is a big reason why Charles is still at Hillsborough with the deadline approaching.<\/p>\n

\u201cWest Ham made a bid for him earlier this window. I think he was seen as too good not to go for,\u201d Bailey explains. \u201cBut Chansiri is not playing ball.<\/p>\n

\u201cCould West Ham come back for him? Maybe. He is a fantastic talent, one of the very best outside the Premier League.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

#Sheffield<\/a> Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles subject of bids from West Ham and Rangers worth \u00a31m+ \u2013 most of fee up front. Deals now OFF as clubs not had response from #SWFC<\/a>. Fee for 20yo could go long way to paying wages to staff https:\/\/t.co\/x3EfVQwyoX<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Mike McGrath (@mcgrathmike) August 14, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

View Tweet<\/p>\n

The Telegraph\u2019s Mike McGrath backs up these claims, adding that both West Ham and newly-minted Rangers submitted offers in excess of \u00a31 million.<\/p>\n

For now, however, all calls made to Chansiri\u2019s mobile appear to be going directly to voicemail.<\/p>\n

\"WestPhoto by Visionhaus\/Getty ImagesMads Hermansen and Pierce Charles are both Graham Potter-type goalkeepers <\/p>\n

Unsurprisingly, given what Graham Potter looks for in a glovesman, both Hermansen and Charles are impressive specimens with the ball at their feet.<\/p>\n

Speaking during his official unveiling, Hermansen told the West Ham fans to expect<\/a> some fine saves, yes, but also a goalkeeper who \u2018likes to participate in the build-up play\u2019. Both Potter and lead first-team goalkeeping coach Casper Ankergren could be spotted engaging Hermansen<\/a> in passing drills during his first training session with his new employers.<\/p>\n

Charles is another who can be considered highly-competent with his feet as well as his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone would look at Pierce and know how good he is with his feet,\u201d Northern Ireland manager Michael O\u2019Neill said after one of Charles\u2019 eight appearances for the national team. <\/p>\n

\u201cBut how he commanded his box was excellent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is amazing for a goalkeeper of his age is his vision [and how he can see] the movement in front of him,\u201d former Northern Ireland captain Jim Magilton said, Charles standing out even during a 5-1 drubbing by Sweden. <\/p>\n

\u201cThey are playing at the highest level and this lad\u2019s composure is astounding. For him to be able to show that, and it\u2019s the quality of pass as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Interestingly, West Ham have also been credited with an interest in Pierce\u2019s older brother, Shea Charles.<\/p>\n

Back at Southampton after a stellar loan spell with none other than Sheffield Wednesday in 2024\/25, EFL expert Ali Maxwell feels Charles can become a \u2018\u00a350 \u2013 \u00a360 million player\u2019 at St Mary\u2019s<\/a>.<\/p>\n