Sheffield Wednesday’s standout performer this season, Shea Charles, has been nominated for a prestigious national award, and he faces stiff competition from two promotion-chasing colleagues. The young midfielder has been a key figure in the Owls’ midfield, making 40 appearances across all competitions and contributing five assists. His season has been a journey of growth, though not without challenges. Initially on loan from Southampton, Charles’ season took a turn in January when his parent club ended his loan deal, only for him to return to Hillsborough on more favorable terms. Despite the disruptions, he has remained a pivotal presence for the team.
In addition to his club success, the Northern Ireland international has captained his national team in what is essentially his first full season in senior football. His performances have now been nationally recognized, as he has been shortlisted for the EFL Championship Young Player of the Year award. This honor places him in competition with Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham and Burnley’s CJ Egan-Riley, a former teammate of Charles at the Manchester City academy.
Charles’ nomination highlights his rising talent, with his brother Pierce also emerging as a promising goalkeeper for Sheffield Wednesday. The EFL Championship Young Player of the Year award, introduced in its current format in 2022, has seen previous winners go on to make big moves. Notable past recipients include Brennan Johnson (who moved to Tottenham Hotspur from Nottingham Forest), Alex Scott (who joined Bournemouth from Bristol City), and Archie Gray (who made the leap from Leeds United to Tottenham). Together, these three have been transferred for a combined fee exceeding £100 million. The winner of this year’s award will be revealed at the League’s annual ceremony in London on Sunday, April 27, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football starting at 8:30 pm.
Leave a Reply