Southampton Recall 21-Year-Old From Loan With The Owls

Charles, 21, has impressed during his 24 appearances for the Owls under former Saints assistant Danny Rohl, recording a goal and four assists.

Saints reportedly had until midnight on Wednesday, January 15, to recall the Northern Ireland international and appear to have made a very late call.

Saints hope Frenchman Lesley Ugochukwu, 20, will remain at the club for the rest of the season but Chelsea could still opt to recall him from his loan spell.

Charles is viewed as an intelligent, athletic and powerful midfielder, who could also thrive in the systems devised by new manager Ivan Juric.

Sheffield Wednesday chairman Dejphon Chansiri addressed the decision in a fans’ forum, hours after insisting Saints approached Rohl to become boss.

“Of course we like him, but what can we do? It is out of our control,” Chansiri said, as reported by Sheffield-based publication The Star.

“In my opinion, he is not ready for the Premier League. Southampton in this situation he cannot help, Southampton need a better player than this.

“Let’s see. If they do that, maybe we do something. Let’s see. Someone damage us then we can damage them as well, let’s see.”

Charles, whose 22nd birthday is not until November, is available to play Premier League games for Saints as he does not require registration.

The Daily Echo understands Wednesday could negotiate the chance to take Charles on loan again but this would require an additional loan fee being agreed.

Charles, who is recognised in the dressing room as a leader for his country, is seen by Saints as a potential key player – particularly for next season.