Former Northern Ireland international Stuart Dallas believes Shea Charles’ record-breaking move to the Premier League is smart business for both Fulham and the player.
Charles became the most expensive Northern Irish footballer this week with a £30m transfer from Southampton to Craven Cottage.
The 22-year-old started out at Manchester City before joining Championship side Southampton and spending a season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.
In last season’s ill-fated play-off run for the Saints, Charles scored a stoppage-time winner in the semi-final against Middlesbrough that initially sent them to the final, only for the team to be disqualified later in the ‘spygate’ affair.
His performances drew plenty of attention, and the midfielder—capped 35 times by Northern Ireland—now gets his shot at the Premier League. Dallas is confident he will take it.
He told BBC Sport NI that while the leap from the Championship to the top flight is significant, Charles’ grounding at Manchester City means he knows the standards required. Dallas described him as a technically gifted, intelligent player who is eager to learn, calling it a good fit for both Fulham and Charles and wishing him well.