Sheffield Wednesday forward Josh Windass has heaped praise on goalkeeper Pierce Charles, despite their penalty shootout defeat to Coventry City in the FA Cup last weekend.
The Owls scored a last-gasp equaliser to send the tie with the Sky Blues to extra time and penalties in the third round, but they narrowly slipped to defeat after Norman Bassette’s spot kick sealed the victory for Frank Lampard’s men.
The 19-year-old shot stopper Charles impressed on a rare Wednesday start, saving one of the spot-kicks and also providing an excellent double save to keep the visitors in the contest in open play.
Rohl confirmed to The Star after the match at the CBS Arena that the club would look at sending Charles out on loan for the remainder of the season, and there are sure to be plenty of suitors after such a standout performance.
Meanwhile, at the beginning of December, Liverpool were rumoured to be weighing up a move for the youngster as they look to restructure their goalkeeping department under Arne Slot, so it will be interesting to see where the Northern Ireland international will end up when this month passes.
Josh Windass hails “special” Pierce Charles performance
On Instagram, Josh Windass reacted to the cup defeat to Coventry with words of encouragement for the team heading into the remainder of 2025, while giving a mention to Pierce Charles for his strong display.
Windass posted: “We’re ready for the second half of the season, great performance yesterday. Sad to lose on penalties but we are ready to finish the league strong!”
He added: “@pierce_charles, your special bud!”
Josh Windass words are encouraging for his and Pierce Charles’ futures
Sheffield Wednesday fans will be buoyed by the words of Josh Windass, who himself has been linked with a move away from Hillsborough.
Despite being touted for a switch to Brazil with Santos, Windass’s words indicate that his future firmly remains in Yorkshire under Danny Rohl, and he will be committed to helping Wednesday push up the Championship table as much as possible and make a late charge for a top six place.
Meanwhile, his positive words towards Pierce Charles could be a positive for the goalkeeper’s future too, as Charles seems immensely valued and appreciated by his teammates. This kind of support may convince him to stay at the club despite the Liverpool rumours, as a number one spot could be calling his name as early as next season.
Sheffield Wednesday need to provide clarity over Pierce Charles future
If Sheffield Wednesday are to fend off the interest from big-hitters Liverpool, then a plan must be in place with Charles to help keep his mind fully focused on Hillsborough.
Given Rohl’s comments after the Coventry game, Wednesday must act and secure a loan spell away for Charles, with consistent minutes down the lower leagues enhancing his chances of first team football with the Owls over James Beadle next term.
As Windass enters the final six months of his contract with The Owls, West Brom should reignite summer interest and look to bid for the player.
The solid foundation of a defence is built by a reliable goalkeeper, and the Owls certainly have one of the best prospects in the English game to help do that. Charles has the ability to be one of the club’s most valuable players in years to come and could be a key figure towards a promotion push out of the Championship next season if they don’t secure it this term.
With this in mind, the 19-year-old’s future has to be the main priority among the Wednesday hierarchy for the reminder of the transfer window.
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