Shea Charles is relishing the chance of playing in the Premier League after his transfer to Fulham from Southampton was confirmed on Tuesday. 

Charles moves to Craven Cottage for an initial £26m, which could rise to £30m in add-ons, signing a five-year contract with the option to extend by a further 12 months. 

The 22-year-old was also of reported interest to fellow Premier League side Leeds United, but he has chosen to join Alvaro Arbeloa's side ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. 

After starting his professional career at Manchester City, Charles joined Southampton in 2023 before spending the following season out on loan at Sheffield Wednesday. 

He helped the Saints finish fourth in the Championship in 2025-26, ensuring a spot in the play-offs, scoring four goals in 33 league appearances. 

Charles netted an extra-time winner in the second leg of Southampton's play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough, sealing a 2-1 win on aggregate, only for the club to be expelled from the final after being found guilty of spying on their opponents. 

And having missed out on the chance to lead Southampton back to the Premier League, Charles is looking forward to playing in the top flight for the first time in his career. 

"I'm buzzing to finally get it over the line. The club has got a really good foundation, from the bottom to the top really," Charles told the Fulham website. 

"It's a great club, with a really good vision – the manager explained that to me. To be here is a massive privilege.

"I hope to really kickstart my Premier League career. At such a good club as well, it's perfect for me, and hopefully perfect for the fans as well."

During his time at St. Mary's, Charles made 76 appearances across all competitions, scoring six goals as well as providing two assists for his team-mates. 

He becomes the most expensive Northern Irish player in history, surpassing the £15m Newcastle United paid Norwich City to sign Jamal Lowe six years ago. 

Charles is also Fulham's third-most expensive signing, and is the Cottagers' third new arrival of the summer, following Real Madrid duo Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios. 

Jonah Kusi-Asare's loan from Bayern Munich last season has also been made permanent ahead of their opening game of the Premier League season on August 24 against London rivals Chelsea at Craven Cottage.