Manchester City are keeping close tabs on a promising Premier League talent ahead of potential summer transfer activity.
City’s inconsistent campaign continued Saturday afternoon with a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground in Premier League action. Callum Hudson-Odoi struck in the 87th minute to secure a crucial victory for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, leaving the defending champions in fourth place and trailing league leaders Liverpool by a substantial 23 points.
Manchester City Target Crystal Palace Midfielder Adam Wharton
Looking ahead to rebuilding efforts this summer, reports indicate Manchester City have expressed significant interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. According to TBR Football, Pep Guardiola’s team sent scouts to Selhurst Park this weekend to watch the 21-year-old talent start in Palace’s 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town.
The Premier League champions are said to be "huge admirers" of Wharton, whose performances have caught the attention of several top clubs. Sources suggest City are considering submitting a substantial bid during the summer transfer window to test Crystal Palace’s resolve.
However, Palace have no intention of letting their prized midfielder leave without a fight. The Eagles are reportedly preparing to offer Wharton a "substantial new contract" to secure his future at Selhurst Park.
City face significant competition for the young midfielder’s signature, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Aston Villa all reportedly monitoring his situation closely.
Premier League legend Alan Shearer recently praised Wharton’s abilities, describing him as "really exciting" and highlighting his key attributes:
- Aggressive in the tackle
- Excellent ball retention
- Forward-thinking passing ability
- Strong positional awareness
"He was that player that sneaked into Gareth Southgate’s squad. He didn’t feature obviously in the Euros, but you can see the talent there," Shearer explained. "Really good in that position, he’s aggressive but he also keeps the ball – but he looks forward when he passes as well."
Shearer emphasized how Wharton’s playing style benefits attacking teammates: "That’s a good thing about him. I think certainly, from a forward’s point of view, is that it’s his first thought all the time. It makes your job easier as a forward when you’ve got a midfielder who’s prepared to do that."
With Rodri aging and City looking to refresh their midfield options, Wharton represents the type of technically gifted, progressive midfielder that thrives in Guardiola’s system. His ability to break lines with passing while maintaining defensive discipline makes him an ideal candidate for City’s possession-based approach.
What This Means for City’s Summer Plans
City’s interest in Wharton signals their intent to strengthen the squad after a relatively disappointing campaign by their lofty standards. The club appears focused on identifying young, Premier League-proven talent rather than established international stars.
Want to stay updated on Manchester City’s transfer plans this summer? Follow our comprehensive coverage of all the latest developments as Pep Guardiola looks to rebuild his squad for another title challenge next season.