Rangers are preparing a summer move for Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles, with manager Danny Röhl identifying the 20-year-old as a priority target following Wednesday's relegation to League One. According to a report by Sportsboom, the Ibrox club is looking to capitalise on the South Yorkshire side's financial instability to secure the Northern Ireland international on a cut-price deal. Röhl, who coached the goalkeeper during his tenure at Hillsborough, is understood to be the primary driver behind the pursuit as he seeks a long-term successor to current number one Jack Butland.
Tactical fit and succession planning at Ibrox
The pursuit of Charles signals a shift in Rangers' recruitment strategy toward proactive succession planning. Current first-choice Jack Butland is 33 and will enter the final 12 months of his contract in June 2026. While Butland recently told the Daily Record he is "hoping to finish the season strong" and open to an extension, the Rangers board is keen to avoid losing high-value assets for free. Charles offers a distinct tactical profile that aligns with Röhl's system; known for exceptional distribution, the young goalkeeper is viewed as the ball-playing sweeper-keeper required for the German's build-up play. Speaking on the player's potential, Röhl previously noted that Charles "has everything to play for a good, good club" following his integration into the Wednesday first team.
Relegation and injury concerns at Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday's confirmed relegation to League One in February 2026 has drastically weakened their bargaining position, despite the player being under contract until June 2027. The club's recent history of administration and a pending takeover by David Storch has forced a shift toward a selling model, leaving Charles as one of their few liquid assets. However, his 2025/26 campaign has been heavily disrupted by fitness issues. As reported by the Daily Record, Charles has undergone two separate shoulder surgeries and is currently sidelined with a back injury sustained in April. Despite these setbacks, former Rangers defender Gareth McAuley has urged the club to complete the deal, telling the Daily Record that Charles would be a "massive sellable asset" who would benefit from European exposure at Ibrox.
Rangers will likely wait for a full assessment of the player's back injury before formalising an offer when the transfer window opens.