Southampton is expected to display non-negotiable stance after weak January call | OneFootball

Southampton are tipped to remain firm on Shea Charles' arrival and wouldn't entertain any returning offers from Sheffield Wednesday.

Tell me, if there's one Southampton loanee who you definitely see in the Saints lineup next season, who will be it? Well, I know various names are acceptable here.

After all, there have been rare Southampton loaned-out stars who aren't shining at their new clubs.

But let’s be honest, the answer is midfield prodigy Shea Charles. Notably, the midfielder's 2024/25 season speaks for itself.

So far for Sheffield Wednesday, Charles has had 36 out of 36 solid performances. That’s probably why Southampton saw him as a January saviour and pushed for his return.

But out of nowhere, Sheffield Wednesday's never say never transfer attitude forced Southampton into accepting their demands. As a result, Shea Charles completed his celebrated homecoming which took many English football fans by surprise.

Well, to say, that's in the past now. And thankfully, Southampton's future feels quite positive about Shea Charles' situation.

Shea Charles expected to be key for Southampton next season

This is because as per Graeme Bailey, the Saints would remain firm on their stance on calling back the pivot next season. Unlike in January, Southampton is unlikely to entertain another loan request from Sheffield.

Speaking to EFL analysis, Bailey reassured Southampton fans saying: "Southampton really like Shea Charles and he has been great in the Championship, which hasn't gone unnoticed. I really would be shocked if he is not at St. Mary's next season and with a bigger role to play."

Now, we aren't far away from propping him as Southampton's best central midfielder as well. No, this isn't any flattering praise because there might be a scenario where Joe Aribo makes his exit feelings clear and the Saints are left with a huge midfield gap to fill.

Thus, the bottom line remains that plenty of new helping hands are needed in the squad and let's hope Shea Charles becomes the first among the many essential players to arrive.