Shea Charles has become Northern Ireland's most expensive footballer after completing a £30m transfer from Southampton to Fulham. The 22-year-old midfielder progressed through Manchester City's academy, training with stars like Rodri and Fernandinho, before winning the Premier League in 2021-22 as an 18-year-old. Charles earned his first Northern Ireland cap in 2022 without making a senior club appearance, showcasing the faith in his talent early on.

After a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday where he captained the team, he returned to Southampton and scored crucial goals, including a winner against Arsenal in the FA Cup. Despite missing only three games for Ireland since 2022 due to suspension and injury, Charles has established himself as a key player under manager Michael O'Neill. His performances against France and Italy in World Cup qualifiers demonstrated his elite potential.

Now at Fulham, the technically gifted playmaker aims to make a breakthrough in the Premier League under former Real Madrid and Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa.