Shea Charles replacement ‘suggested’ for Southampton and he could be a gem | OneFootball

Shea Charles featured in pre-season despite uncertainty over his future, and a potential replacement has been floated. According to Sainstmarching.com, the 22-year-old is deliberating over a move away.

Charles made his first pre-season minutes against Eintracht Braunschweig on Friday, Tonda Eckert’s side winning thanks to a Damion Downs goal. He missed the Eastleigh friendly and, unlike Caspar Jander and Finn Azaz, was not among the absentees in Germany.

Eckert spoke after full time, saying he thought it was clear there was interest after last season. He was happy to have Charles around, praised his level, and said the rest was for the club to sort.

Nobody has yet met Southampton’s £25m-plus valuation. With the club unlikely to budge, Leeds United or Fulham would need to decide whether to make the former Manchester City youth product their statement signing.

One option raised on social media is Thomas Jørgensen of Viborg, aged 20. AllSaints has suggested him as a Charles stand-in and indicated Viborg want about £10m, which would not be cheap but could be smart if a sale happens.

On the same day, Viborg beat Odense BK 1-0 and Jørgensen scored. Talent scout Jacek Kulig called him a superb prospect. He has nine goals and 13 assists for Viborg, and in 2025/26 has averaged 5.6 ball recoveries and 6.6 duels won in Superliga matches. Like Charles, who hit a late FA Cup winner against Arsenal last season, he could be a gem if pursued.

Source: Sainstmarching.com