Clear update emerges around Shea Charles’ future at Southampton | OneFootball

Shea Charles' Southampton contract will expire in 2027

Johannes Spors has claimed there is no rush for Southampton to agree new terms with Shea Charles as he gets set to enter the final year of his current contract next year.

The midfielder’s four-year deal signed when he joined from Manchester City is set to expire in the summer of 2027.

The Northern Ireland international has become a regular presence in the side this season following his return from a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday.

It was reported in 2023 that Charles was signed in a transfer worth £10.5 million following the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League.

If he does not sign a new deal between now and the end of this season, then Charles will be entering the final 12 months of that contract, which could put pressure on the club to cash in during the transfer window.

Southampton sporting director Johannes Spors gives Shea Charles contract update

The aforementioned Spors has claimed that there is no immediate rush from Southampton to agree a new contract with Charles despite him only having 18 months left on his current one.

However, the sporting director has left the door open for an agreement to extend his time at the club beyond 2027 this season, with the player currently out of action with an injury issue.

"We are not in a rush with that because he has two more years," said Spors, via the Daily Echo.

"I'm absolutely not against him signing a new contract earlier, though.”

Charles has been out of the Southampton side since October 25, coming off in the 80th minute of their 2-1 loss to Blackburn Rovers.

A hamstring injury has kept him out of the side, and the 22-year-old is not expected to make a return to the starting line-up just yet despite taking part in first team training.

Saints aren't exactly missing the Northern Ireland international given his current form, but Charles' return whenever it comes would add more strings to Tonda Eckert's bow.

Southampton should avoid losing Shea Charles for absolutely nothing in 2027

Charles has been a solid performer for Southampton so far this season, so the club should avoid losing him for £0 in the summer of 2027 if they can help it.

The Saints should look to keep him at St Mary’s beyond his current deal, as he’s proven to be a useful member of the squad, with his best years still well and truly ahead of him.

Given the £10.5 million fee paid to sign him, it would also be poor business to let someone like that go for nothing, which will be at risk if he enters the final year of his contract.

But, with 18 months still remaining, there is no immediate rush to agree new terms just yet, as they could wait until closer to the end of the campaign before making a decision on whether or not to cash in on him instead.