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Fulham have completed the signing of versatile midfielder Shea Charles from Southampton. Charles, a 22-year-old Northern Ireland international, joins the Cottagers on a five-year deal and became Alvaro Arbeloa's third new signing for a reported fee of £30 million. Becoming Fulham’s new number 19, Charles departs Saints after scoring seven goals in 76 appearances in all competitions. His two most notable strikes were the winner in Southampton brilliant 2-1 FA Cup Quarterfinal victory against Arsenal in March. He‘s stunning winner against Middlesbrough, in last season’s Championship plays off, briefly sent Southampton to Wembley but they were expelled for spying on a Middlesbrough training session. The transfer yet again shows Arbeloa's influence on the squad at Fulham. Rather than continuing with Marco Silva’s transfer policy of singing experienced, Premier League proven players, the club have clearly opted to bring the age of the squad down by focusing on exciting, younger players. The Player Having risen through the youth ranks at Manchester City, Charles arrived on the South Coast ahead of the 2023/24 season after a single appearance for the Sky Blues. It was under Russel Martin’s guidance where Charles established himself. He flourished that season- playing 38 games in all competitions as Saints returned to the Premier League at the first attempt. The following season, he continued to develop at Championship level with a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday. Scoring his first professional goal along the way, the Northern Irishman was named the Owls’ player of the season as Wednesday finished a respectable 12th place. Following Southampton’s second relegation in two season, Charles faced tough completion from Flyn Downes and Finn Azaz. Despite an abundance of competition, Charles still made 38 appearances and enjoyed his best goal-scoring season- contributing with 6 goals and two assists. What can fans expect Acting as a replacement for Sasa Lukic, Charles is known for his positional discipline and frequent movement to support his teammates. Unlike Berge or Lukic, Charles is prepared to drive forward and drag opposition players out of p patios- creating spaces for Fulham’s attackers to exploit. He will be expected to act as a lynchpin for attacking transitions while maintaining defensive awareness.