Wednesday’s Sporting Director, Simon Wilson, has spoken of how the transfer of keeper Pierce Charles to Manchester City developed before his move was announced on Thursday.

Keeper Charles caught the eyes of a clutch of top clubs after joining Wednesday from City in 2021, becoming first team keeper for the Owls and soon established as Northern Ireland’s number one.

Now the 20-year-old finds himself back at the Etihad on a five-year contract and for an undisclosed fee – but one which could reportedly become the largest amount received by Wednesday for a player.

It’s a move which will leave Wednesdayites disappointed to lose such an undoubted talent but the quality of his performances made it inevitable that a move to a top-level side was on the horizon and  now Charles goes to City with the very best wishes of those same supporters … and with his first season being spent on loan at QPR.

Talking about the City move, Simon Wilson, explained: “At 20, the quality and consistency of Pierce’s performances have naturally attracted interest from elite clubs throughout the last 12 months.

“We engaged with him to secure his long-term future but understood his desire to take this opportunity and, with one year remaining on his contract, this agreement protects the long-term interests of our club.

“Although we are disappointed to lose him from our group, Pierce’s story is one that should be celebrated by all who played a part in his journey – from his acquisition to his development within our academy and first team. He is an example we hope many players can replicate in the future and we wish him well at Manchester City, who we continue to build an exceptional relationship with.”