Stuart Dallas thinks new £20m Leeds United target is 'outstanding' | OneFootball

Leeds United have been linked with a £20m move for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, a pursuit that could reshape Daniel Farke’s midfield options as the club await a first summer signing.

Few voices carry more weight at Elland Road than Stuart Dallas, and his verdict on Charles was emphatic. “Shea Charles was outstanding. They didn’t deserve to be on the losing team. He’s such a good footballer and Northern Ireland have a bright future with those type of players in the middle of the park,” Dallas said in March after Northern Ireland’s World Cup play-off defeat to Italy, as reported by the Belfast Telegraph.

Charles impressed throughout Southampton’s run to the play-off final last season before the Saints were disqualified. In 2025-26 he played 31 league games, scoring three and supplying two assists.

His defensive output included 49 tackles, 30 interceptions and 133 recoveries, with an 84.7 per cent pass completion. Energy, defensive reliability and technical security help explain the interest as Leeds plan for a second Premier League campaign.

Leeds do not typically spend £20m on squad players, so if Charles arrives he would expect to compete for significant minutes immediately.

That scenario could place Ao Tanaka under the most pressure, and he could be sold this summer. Ilia Gruev’s situation appears steadier, with a deal running to 2027.

Any new addition in central midfield would raise competition for places, and Charles would back himself to play regularly.

Source: Leedsunited.news