Shea Charles credits family and Northern Ireland for progress after £30m Fulham move

Shea Charles says he is not dwelling on the £30m transfer fee that made him Northern Ireland's most expensive footballer, crediting his family and international experience as important influences on his career. In an interview with BBC Sport NI, the 22-year-old discussed his summer move from Southampton to Fulham and his return to Premier League football.

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Charles told the BBC that becoming the country's record transfer was a significant personal milestone, but said the fee was not something he thought about much. He pointed instead to the support of his parents, brothers and friends in keeping him grounded. The midfielder said he had settled well at Fulham and felt he shared manager Alvaro Arbeloa's approach to football.

His move has already brought regular involvement in the top flight. According to the BBC, Charles has featured in all five of Fulham's Premier League matches this season, starting three, including recent draws with Liverpool and Manchester United. Fulham are 19th after two draws and three defeats. Charles said returning to the division had been his aim, whether that happened with Southampton or through a transfer.

He also highlighted the role Northern Ireland has played in his development. Charles has won 35 caps since making his debut in June 2022, and said international matches gave him opportunities to test himself against opponents he rarely encountered in the Championship. He credited manager Michael O'Neill with trusting him and giving him responsibility, including opportunities to captain the team.

That responsibility has extended to trying to set an example for younger players, both during matches and away from the pitch. Charles described a close squad in which newcomers are welcomed quickly. His own international career also has a strong family connection: born in England, he qualifies for Northern Ireland through his mother, who regularly attends matches at Windsor Park.

His brother Pierce is another member of the Northern Ireland squad. The goalkeeper is on loan at Queen's Park Rangers from Manchester City following a summer move, the BBC reported. Charles said sharing international football with a brother he grew up playing alongside had fulfilled an ambition they held as children, with their mother continuing to follow both careers closely.