Queens Park Rangers know they have a serious player on their hands, at least for now. Pierce Charles, on a season-long loan from Manchester City, has become the most exciting goalkeeper in the Championship, winning over fans at Loftus Road.
At 21, Charles has established himself as Northern Ireland's No1. In the past month, he has saved penalties from Paris Saint-Germain's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and England winger Jarrod Bowen, raising his profile and growing his list of admirers.
No January recall planned
Despite fears among QPR fans that City's recruitment team might recall him in January, Standard Sport understands that while City negotiated a recall clause into the loan deal, there are currently no plans to activate it.
All parties are benefiting from his strong start. Charles is starting every game, City are watching a young player develop, and QPR have a goalkeeper they believe is the best in their division.
From City release to Wednesday
Charles joined City in July for just north of £3million plus add-ons. The younger brother of Fulham's Shea Charles, both siblings began their youth careers at City, but Pierce was released as the club chose George Murray-Jones, now with Nottingham Forest's B team, ahead of him.
After failed trials at Aston Villa and Sunderland, Everton and Sheffield Wednesday showed interest. Charles joined Wednesday in 2021 at age 16, with goalkeeper coach Nicky Weaver integral to the move and his rapid progress.
A modern goalkeeper
Charles is only 6ft 1in tall but stands out in other ways. He played outfield until Under-9s, and his skill with the ball at his feet has never left him. In a recent 4-1 win over Derby, he stood over the ball outside his area and waited 40 seconds before playing a pass once an opening appeared.
His time at Wednesday coincided with the final days of Dejphon Chansiri's ownership. Players signing pro deals at 16 can only commit to three years, and repeated calls from Wednesday staff to renegotiate once he turned 18 were ignored. The new owners tried this summer, but City came calling. For loans, few clubs did, except QPR, where CEO Christian Nourry is a huge fan.
Charles was in and around the England setup until conversations about his Northern Irish eligibility began a five-year association leading to the No1 shirt. "Pierce is one of those goalkeepers everyone is looking for in the modern game," says Northern Ireland boss O'Neill. He kept four straight clean sheets in the Nations League last international break, his nation's longest run since 2017.
What's next for Charles
City will look to ramp things up with a higher-profile move next season, possibly on loan on the Continent. QPR, for now, will sit back and enjoy him while they can.
