Northern Irish press give verdict on how Sheffield Wednesday star Pierce Charles fared vs Iceland

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Sheffield Wednesday fans have had nothing to shout about since the 2024/25 campaign drew to a close in May.

After Dejphon Chansiri failed to pay the players and non-playing staff in May, the EFL slapped a transfer embargo on Sheffield Wednesday.

As a result, a three-window transfer ban has been imposed on the Owls, and that means they will be limited to signing players on a free transfer or on loan without a fee.

Administration could be the best option for Sheffield Wednesday to escape the current turmoil, and ultimately reset their financial liabilities and allow the EFL to support the sales process and secure a new level of investment.

Unfortunately, their current dire situation also means several youngsters will potentially jump ship. Caelan-Kole Cadamarteri has already joined Manchester City for £1.5 million, and there were fears Pierce Charles could follow him.

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How the Northern Irish media rated Pierce Charles vs Iceland

Charles is one of Sheffield Wednesday’s best academy prospects. The 19-year-old started in each of their final eight games after Danny Rohl dropped number one James Beadle.

The teenager is also the number one for Northern Ireland on the international stage, telling of his maturity and quality at such a young age.

Luckily, ahead of his side’s friendly against Iceland, Charles admitted he is ‘happy’ at Sheffield Wednesday and there is nothing that could make him leave.

Wednesday’s number one then played out a solid performance as Northern Ireland clinched a 1-0 victory against Iceland, with the media paying attention to his display.

The Belfast Telegraph rated him a 6/10 and wrote: “In from the start having played the second 45 minutes in Copenhagen, his trademark sharp passing wasn’t evident. One pass to Saville was ill-judged but cleared danger as game went on.”

Meanwhile, Belfast Live were more complimentary of the young goalkeeper, rating him a 7/10 and writing: “Took the pressure off with some great claims in the second half.”

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Charles will be integral for Sheffield Wednesday in 2025/26

Now Beadle has returned to Brighton following his loan and Wednesday have been placed under an embargo, Charles is nailed on to claim the number one jersey permanently in 2025/26.

An embargo places extra pressure on a club to use youth players, as anyone under the age of 21 doesn’t count towards the total number of players permitted in the squad.

As Charles already has Championship experience, there is no need for Wednesday to invest in a new number one, instead, allowing their gloveman to shine.

Also, with the Owls only allowed to name a squad of 23 first-team players, investing in a goalkeeper is low down the list of priorities.

Indeed, while the future is looking bleak for the South Yorkshire club, at least the emergence of Charles is one shining light.