Josh Windass reacts to Pierce Charles leaving Sheffield Wednesday for Man City | OneFootball

Pierce Charles has completed his move to Manchester City from Sheffield Wednesday

Pierce Charles has officially departed Sheffield Wednesday after a deal was agreed with Manchester City.

The goalkeeper’s future was the subject of intense transfer speculation in recent months following his impressive performances for the Owls.

The 20-year-old established himself as the first-choice option, although he made just 19 appearances in the league last season due to injuries hampering his availability.

But financial issues at Hillsborough led to their relegation to League One, which opened the door for Charles’ exit.

The youngster was also in the final year of his contract, making it difficult for the club to hold onto him beyond this summer.

Charles originally came through the Man City academy system before he moved to Sheffield Wednesday, and has now made his return.

Josh Windass reacts to Pierce Charles transfer

Action images

Former Sheffield Wednesday star Josh Windass has reacted to Charles’ move to Manchester City, indicating he’s not shocked at all that he’s earned the switch back to the Premier League side.

The pair played together in 2024/25 when the goalkeeper first broke into the first team squad at Hillsborough, featuring eight times in the league as the Owls finished 12th in the table.

“Imagine my surprise,” wrote Windass, via Instagram stories, adding love eyes and praised hands emojis.

Windass departed the Yorkshire outfit last summer, terminating his contract via mutual consent amid the club’s growing financial issues.

The 32-year-old made the switch to Wrexham, where he helped the team finish seventh in the Championship table, contributing 16 goals and five assists.

The departures of both Windass and Charles highlight the loss of talent that the Owls have suffered as a consequence of their financial mismanagement under the previous owner Dejphon Chansiri.

However, Sheffield Wednesday were still able to at least earn a significant sum from the sale of the goalkeeper to Man City.

It’s been reported that the deal could amount to a total of £10 million, depending on whether certain add-ons are achieved.

Charles has immediately gone back out on loan to QPR following his move to the Etihad, with the youngster not in line to be an immediate part of Enzo Maresca’s plans.

The 20-year-old will be seeking regular game time in the Championship, as he looks to gain experience and develop into a possible Premier League calibre player.

Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly closing in on the signing of Joe Lumley as a possible replacement to Charles.

Action Images

Pierce Charles exit is a big blow for Sheffield Wednesday

Charles was an exceptional talent during his time at Sheffield Wednesday, and that’s why it comes as no surprise to someone like Windass that he’s moved to Man City.

Of course, it’s too soon in his career to be the starting goalkeeper for a club of that size, but the loan to QPR will give him a good opportunity to continue his development.

And it wouldn’t be shocking if, down the line, he does one day become the Premier League side’s first-choice goalkeeper.

While Gianluigi Donnarumma is one of the most highly-regarded players in that position in the world, Charles is still only 20, and could yet reach that level given the potential he possesses.