Celtic Target Rangers’ Pierce Charles in Glasgow 2026

Key Points

• Rangers have identified Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles as a summer transfer target to provide competition for current number one Jack Butland.
• Celtic have reportedly joined the race for Charles amid their own need for goalkeeper depth following Kasper Schmeichel’s possible career-ending shoulder injury.
• Viljami Sinisalo has been Celtic’s number one since Schmeichel’s issue, but the club seeks additional competition.
• Former Rangers defender Gareth McAuley, who worked with Charles at Northern Irish youth level, predicts the 20-year-old could become worth substantial money and play in major games.
• Charles, a Northern Ireland international with nine senior caps, impressed at crisis-hit Sheffield Wednesday, who face relegation to League One.
• Sheffield Wednesday rejected a £1 million bid from Rangers for Charles last summer; the club remains cash-strapped with ongoing financial uncertainty.

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) April 22, 2026 – Rangers and Celtic could compete in the same transfer market this summer as Celtic reportedly enter the race for Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles, a player on Rangers’ radar. The 20-year-old Northern Ireland international has impressed at the struggling Championship side, drawing interest from both Old Firm clubs amid their respective needs for goalkeeper reinforcements.

Why Are Celtic Targeting a Goalkeeper This Summer?

Celtic’s interest in Pierce Charles stems from a need for depth behind current number one Viljami Sinisalo. Veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel suffered a shoulder injury described as possibly career-ending, leaving the Hoops light in that position. As reported in initial coverage from Scottish football outlets, Celtic are likely to target competition for Sinisalo during the summer window.

Rangers, meanwhile, view Jack Butland as their established number one at Ibrox but seek additional options. Sheffield Wednesday’s Pierce Charles has been identified as a player Rangers like, particularly after his performances as the shot-stopper for the crisis-hit English Championship team heading towards League One next season.

Who Is Pierce Charles and What Has He Achieved?

Pierce Charles, born on July 21, 2005, plays as a goalkeeper for EFL Championship club Sheffield Wednesday. He has made notable appearances for the Owls, including 13 games last season and further outings in the current campaign. Charles has earned nine senior caps for Northern Ireland.

His form has stood out despite Sheffield Wednesday’s struggles. For instance, Charles pulled off standout saves, such as a brilliant double save against Leicester City on April 6, 2026, helping keep his side ahead. These performances have caught the eye of clubs higher up the food chain.

Sheffield Wednesday rejected a £1 million bid from Rangers last summer, as noted in reports from the Daily Record. The club’s sporting director had pushed for the deal, but financial woes persist, with uncertainty over investment or takeover lingering since then. This situation could open the door for Rangers—or now Celtic—to pursue a transfer.

What Did Gareth McAuley Say About Pierce Charles?

Former Ibrox defender Gareth McAuley, who worked with Charles at Northern Irish youth level, offered strong endorsement this week. As reported by Rangers On Tour on Facebook and echoed in Yahoo Sports gossip columns, McAuley urged his former club Rangers to sign the goalkeeper. McAuley stated that he can see Charles becoming “worth a hell of a lot of money” and playing “in some of the world’s biggest games.”

McAuley’s comments, covered in the Daily Record and Give Me Sport, highlight Charles’ potential. He described the 20-year-old as someone capable of reaching elite levels, based on their prior collaboration.

Additional coverage from BBC Sport on April 2, 2026, noted Rangers lining up a move for Charles, who worked under current Ibrox manager Danny Rohl at Sheffield Wednesday. Rohl, the ex-Owls boss, could provide a pathway via Rangers, according to initial reports.

Is There Competition Beyond the Old Firm for Charles?

Rangers face rivals from England and Europe for Charles’ signature, with two years left on his Sheffield Wednesday contract. Transfermarkt values him at around 300,000 euros. TransferFeed reports confirm Rangers’ interest, positioning Charles as competition for Butland under manager Russell Martin—though some sources reference Danny Rohl in that role.

Celtic’s entry into the race adds an Old Firm twist, as both Glasgow giants shop in the same market. Coverage from Sky Sports and Facebook posts by fan pages like Fernando Ricksen Loyal underscore Rangers’ interest, noting Charles may leave Sheffield Wednesday in summer amid the club’s plight.

How Does Sheffield Wednesday’s Situation Factor In?

Sheffield Wednesday’s financial uncertainty and likely relegation to League One make Charles’ departure probable. The club, described as cash-strapped across multiple reports, could benefit from a cash injection via a sale to Rangers or Celtic. Initial snippets from TransferFeed highlight this as a key dynamic.

Background of the Development

Pierce Charles joined Sheffield Wednesday as a promising talent and has developed through their ranks, making 19 appearances in the 2025-26 Championship season alone, per career stats. Rangers’ interest dates back to last summer’s rejected bid, with McAuley’s endorsement providing fresh momentum. Celtic’s need arose from Schmeichel’s injury, shifting focus to younger options like Charles. Coverage spans Daily Record, BBC Sport, Give Me Sport, and fan-led social media, all pointing to a summer move as likely. Danny Rohl’s past oversight at Wednesday links directly to Rangers’ managerial setup. Northern Ireland youth ties via McAuley further connect Charles to Ibrox historically. Financial pressures at Wednesday have persisted, creating this transfer opportunity. Both Old Firm clubs maintain stable goalkeeping cores—Butland at Rangers, Sinisalo at Celtic—but depth concerns drive the pursuit. Charles’ international experience at 20 adds maturity. Reports from April 2026 confirm active monitoring by both sides.

Prediction: Impact on Scottish Football Fans

This development could intensify the rivalry between Rangers and Celtic supporters, as fans watch their clubs bid against each other for the same promising talent. Rangers followers may see Charles as ideal Butland backup, boosting squad resilience for domestic and European campaigns. Celtic fans could view a hijack as strategic reinforcement post-Schmeichel, ensuring goalkeeper stability. Sheffield Wednesday supporters face the prospect of losing a key performer amid relegation, affecting morale. Northern Ireland international followers gain visibility for Charles on a bigger stage. Broader Scottish Premiership audiences anticipate heightened transfer buzz, potentially elevating competition levels if Charles joins either side. Pricing dynamics might influence fan expectations on spending, given Wednesday’s £1 million precedent. Old Firm matchdays could feature added narrative if one club secures him. Youth development scouts in Scotland benefit from the spotlight on Championship talents. Casual viewers tune in more for transfer saga drama.