Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles has become the country's most expensive footballer after completing a £30m transfer from Southampton to Premier League side Fulham. The 22-year-old came through Manchester City's academy before moving to Southampton, and his rise reflects a steady progression from age-group prospect to a key figure for both club and country, culminating in this record-breaking move back to the top flight.

Charles joined City's academy aged seven and impressed coaches early, with youth coach Gerard Lyttle praising his composure on the ball as far back as 2021. He helped City win the Premier League 2 title in 2021-22 alongside players such as Cole Palmer, made his Northern Ireland debut in 2022 before even featuring for City's first team, and went on to earn his senior City debut in May 2023 after training alongside Rodri and Fernandinho. He has since become a near-ever-present for Michael O'Neill's Northern Ireland side, missing just three matches since O'Neill's 2022 return as manager.