Sheffield Wednesday have 2 things to consider before Southampton transfer decision - one is £312k annual cost | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday must weigh up financial costs and off field uncertainty before deciding on a permanent move for Southampton loanee

Sheffield Wednesday must carefully evaluate their position before pursuing a permanent transfer for Southampton loanee Shea Charles.

The 21-year-old midfielder has been an integral figure in Danny Röhl’s side during his loan spell, demonstrating composure, technical quality, and fantastic attacking and defensive aptitude in the Championship.

While retaining Charles would be an attractive proposition, the club must weigh two critical factors before committing to a deal - let's look at those.

Sheffield Wednesday’s budget constraints make a Shea Charles transfer risky

A top consideration is the financial commitment required to secure Charles on a permanent basis.

Estimates from Capology indicate that his current wage at Southampton equates to approximately £312,000 per year, a substantial figure for a club operating within significant financial constraints, although there's every chance he could be on significantly more wages given the transfer fee he moved for.

Further, Southampton, who acquired Charles from Manchester City for a reported £10.5 million in 2023, are unlikely to sanction any cut-price exit from St Mary's Stadium.

Any prospective transfer fee would therefore necessitate careful financial planning to ensure compliance with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations and avoid limiting Wednesday’s ability to strengthen other key areas.

The club’s recent transfer history serves as a cautionary precedent. The permanent signing of Ike Ugbo, following an encouraging loan spell, proved to be an expensive miscalculation, with the striker failing to replicate his earlier performances.

Wednesday cannot afford a similar scenario with Charles, regardless of his current contributions.

However, Charles’ unwavering commitment to the Owls throughout the season provides confidence that he would be interested in becoming a long-term asset.

The midfielder made it clear in January that he had no intention of joining city rivals Sheffield United, despite reported interest from Chris Wilder’s side.

"No chance,” Charles told BBC Radio Sheffield when asked if a move to Bramall Lane was ever a possibility. His determination to see out the season at Hillsborough, even amid uncertainty over his recall, further underscores an affinity for the club.

Danny Röhl’s uncertain future as Sheffield Wednesday manager

In addition to financial considerations, the long-term stability of Sheffield Wednesday’s managerial situation is a crucial variable.

Danny Röhl, the architect of the team’s tactical evolution and a key influence in Charles’ development at Hillsborough, has been strongly linked with a return to Southampton at the end of the season.

If Röhl were to depart, it would inevitably cast doubt over Charles’ willingness to commit to a long-term future at the club.

Röhl has publicly dismissed speculation, stating that he remains fully focused on Sheffield Wednesday’s playoff push.

“All the rumours and topics around don’t influence me,” Rohl said in early March. “My main part is here and the next game with my group.”

However, with Southampton struggling under Ivan Juric and facing a potential managerial change, reported interest in Röhl is unlikely to subside. Given his past connections to the club, Southampton could look to bring him back should their relegation fears materialise.

Should Röhl depart, Wednesday will need to reassure Charles of their long-term vision. His progression this season has been closely tied to Röhl’s tactical system and management, and any shift in leadership could alter his role within the squad.