Sheffield Wednesday have reportedly rejected multi-million-pound bids from West Ham United and Rangers for their promising young goalkeeper, Pierce Charles. This decision comes as a surprise to many, considering the club's well-documented financial struggles.
The Owls are currently facing a severe financial crisis, with rising debt and repeated failures to pay wages on time. The English Football League (EFL) has charged the club with breaching its rules due to non-payment of wages, raising the possibility of another points deduction. In June 2025, the EFL placed Wednesday under a transfer embargo due to exceeding 30 days of late payments. This embargo has since been extended to the end of the winter transfer window in the 2026/27 season. The club has also faced issues with payments to HMRC.
Adding to the turmoil, Dejphon Chansiri, the club's owner, is under increasing pressure to sell Sheffield Wednesday. He has offered to sell the club for £100 million, a price considered high given the current financial situation. Many players have left the club, some sold at bargain prices, while others cancelled their contracts, leaving a depleted squad. As of early August 2025, Sheffield Wednesday had only 15 registered first-team players.
Given this context, the decision to reject substantial offers for Pierce Charles seems perplexing. The funds from such a sale could significantly help with cash flow, particularly in paying staff and squad members. It's understood that Charles' total outlay in terms of wages is £200,000. The rejection of these bids has reportedly caused confusion among the player's camp and others within the club.
Pierce Charles, born on July 21, 2005, is a 20-year-old goalkeeper who represents Northern Ireland internationally. He joined Sheffield Wednesday's youth setup in 2021 after previously being with Manchester City. Charles signed his first professional contract with the Owls in October 2022 and has since become an integral part of the squad. He made his senior debut in an FA Cup match against Coventry City in January 2024. Charles has also earned international recognition, receiving eight caps for Northern Ireland.
Several clubs beyond West Ham and Rangers are reportedly interested in Charles. Wednesday have placed a hefty £8 million price tag on him.
Despite the financial difficulties, Sheffield Wednesday has started the 2025/26 season, avoiding further financial embargoes after settling payments to players. However, the club has been late with payments on several occasions, prompting the EFL to take action. The EFL has stated that it wants Chansiri to either fund the club adequately or sell to a well-funded party.
John Textor, an American businessman, has expressed interest in buying Sheffield Wednesday. He has partnered with investment banker Keith Harris in a potential takeover bid. The situation remains uncertain, but the rejection of bids for Pierce Charles highlights the complexities of managing a football club in financial distress.
