Man City is looking at a player from League One as their first new signing after Pep Guardiola leaves.
Manchester City are reportedly looking to sign one of League One’s top goalkeepers.
After giving manager Pep Guardiola a flashy send-off in Manchester on Monday, City now face the challenge of moving forward after a decade of near-dominance at the Etihad Stadium. They missed out on a seventh Premier League title under Guardiola, so they’re working hard to get back to the top.
The club is expected to start this new chapter with a new manager, likely former Chelsea and Leicester boss Enzo Maresca. But they’re also busy in the transfer market.
The summer window is City’s chance to give Maresca the players he needs to compete for the title. One of their early targets is a name familiar to both Man City fans and followers of the EFL Championship.
Sheffield Wednesday had a tough season in 2025-26, being relegated early after losing 18 points due to financial problems under former owner Dejphon Chansiri. They finished the season with zero points.
Despite the struggles, Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles has earned praise. The 20-year-old, originally from Manchester and once part of City’s academy, moved to Hillsborough in 2021 and has only made 36 senior appearances.
Now, Manchester City seems interested in bringing him back. TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook reports, “Manchester City are exploring re-signing Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles.”
This potential move might happen because James Trafford could leave. Charles is expected to be a backup to 27-year-old Donnarumma while Trafford looks for more first-team action, which he may have hoped for when returning to City last summer.
Charles played 19 Championship games for Wednesday this season, letting in almost two goals per game but still standing out with more saves per 90 minutes than all but one goalkeeper in the league.
He has also made 10 senior appearances for Northern Ireland. Rangers are reportedly interested in Charles as well, according to Crook.