What Pep Guardiola has previously said about Shea Charles as Celtic link emerges

Add as preferred source on Google

The transfer rumour mill continues today after Celtic were linked with Southampton midfielder, Shea Charles.

We discussed this morning how the versatile 20-year-old is of interest to Celtic with a view to a potential loan-to-buy deal being a possible avenue to get the player to Parkhead.

Southampton signed Charles for £15m last summer and would undoubtedly look to recoup much of that fee if they did decide to sell him.

So just how good is the young midfielder? Would Celtic be wise to be looking to shell out that kind of money on a player who still has a lot of developing to do?

Why not find out what his former manager, Pep Guardiola, has to say about him after the Spaniard gave him his first-team debut at Man City against Brentford in 2023?

Guardiola hailed ‘fantastic’ Celtic target

Charles made his one and only appearance for Man City in the 1-0 defeat to The Bees but that didn’t take away from the ‘fantastic’ praise Guardiola gave the youngster for his 27-minute cameo.

Guardiola said [Man City], “When you can make your debut, after joining the club at nine years old and grew up to make a debut is the biggest compliment for all the managers he had and the trainers and those that take care of him.

“I’m pretty sure it’s a big moment for him. We know him, he trains quite regularly with us, he’s so good, so composed.

“For these guys, the best way to give them the opportunity to play is to surround them with the normal team and protection but it’s not easy. Shea Charles against this team with top, top strikers, fast and strong, it’s not the easiest debut.

“At the same time, we don’t play for points. Kyle (Walker) helped him and Aymer (Laporte) and the other ones. He played really good and it’s fantastic for the academy.

“The academy in the last three years, the U18s, the U23s and the first team, three years in a row all three teams won all their leagues. That means the club is working amazingly.”

The Northern Ireland international made the move to Southampton last summer where he put pen to paper on a four-year deal.

Since then, Charles has made 38 appearances for The Saints helping them win promotion back into the Premier League last season.

Versatile, Charles can play in all areas of the midfield which would make him a valuable addition to any team, but especially at Celtic where Brendan Rodgers is looking to strengthen a number of positions. [Transfermarkt]

With the futures of Matt O’Riley and Japanese midfielder, Reo Hatate, under scrutiny this summer, the Celtic boss will need to strengthen the heart of the Hoops team should either player decide to ply their trades elsewhere.