Decision explained as Charles finalises Sheffield Wednesday loan move

Charles, 20, is set to depart the club on loan this week to play regular senior minutes for the first time in his career at Hillsborough.

The Northern Ireland international travelled to South Yorkshire on Thursday to finalise the deal, with sees him move on a straight season-long loan. 

Saints signed Chelsea's Lesley Ugochukwu, 20, on loan for the campaign to provide competition to Flynn Downes and allow Charles a move.

Former Manchester City captain Charles made 33 appearances in the Championship for Saints - but the majority were from the bench.

Martin told the Daily Echo: "He is going to Sheffield Wednesday and that would be a brilliant loan move for him I think.

Shea Charles featured heavily during Southampton's pre-season (Image: Stuart Martin)

"He did great in his first senior season. I think because of how much money we paid for him, there's a feeling with some people that it wasn't a great season.

"He played a big part in helping the team achieve promotion in his first season in men's football. It doesn't often happen, in a position that's really important.

"He will benefit from going somewhere and trying to play every single game because otherwise it just stops his development to be a back-up player really.

"He's a long-term signing for the club and he will now help Sheffield Wednesday a lot with a really good coach who has had a relationship with the club."

Martin continued: "There are certain things you can only learn through playing in games that really matter in front of big crowds.

"They'll have that at Hillsborough. It will be really good for him and good for us as a club long-term. I think it suits everyone.

"Shea had the final choice on where to go. There was more than one club interested in him from the Championship and from other leagues.

"The final decision was with Shea. Me and Rasmus Ankersen spoke about it a lot and then they spoke to Shea's agent. I spoke to Shea.

"His brother plays there as well so I think that's a big reason. He spoke to Danny and was excited about the way they're going to attack this year and their signings.

There will be a level of expectation to deal with in front of a big crowd and I think it's perfect for him at this stage in his career."

Saints and Sheffield Wednesday could confirm the loan imminently but it is unclear whether he will be registered to face Leeds United on Friday evening.