Manchester City have completed the signing of goalkeeper Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday in a deal worth an initial £3m that could rise to £10m with add-ons. The 20-year-old has signed a five-year contract and has been immediately loaned to Queens Park Rangers for the upcoming season.
Return to boyhood club
Charles, like his older brother Shea, came through City's academy but left at 16 to join Sheffield Wednesday. Over two years, he established himself in the first team despite the club's struggles. City monitored his progress and moved to bring him back, with the fee potentially increasing based on future success at the Etihad.
"To be back at Manchester City is a very special and proud moment both for me and my family. I know first-hand what a special club City is and I am so excited about looking to the future," Charles said.
Development plan
Charles will not work under manager Enzo Maresca this season but is seen as a long-term prospect. "City take the development of young players very seriously so I know that my loan to QPR will only help me grow and improve as a player too," he added. "I’ll now give everything I can for a successful season in the Championship before hopefully returning to Manchester a better goalkeeper."
Third summer signing
Charles becomes City's third summer signing, following Mathys Detourbet and Elliot Anderson, taking total spending to over £140m. Like Detourbet, Charles has been loaned out immediately. With Anderson still at the World Cup, no new faces will report for the start of pre-season training in ten days.
