City’s Midfield Reinforcement
Manchester City have reportedly secured the summer acquisition of an “unbelievable” midfielder. This player, Adam Wharton, from Crystal Palace, was also a target for several Premier League clubs and Real Madrid, according to reports.
City’s Need for a Midfielder
Manchester City’s midfield vulnerabilities, particularly evident when Rodri was sidelined with an injury, have highlighted the need for Pep Guardiola to bolster his options in the central area. Consequently, several potential midfield targets have been identified as the summer transfer window approaches.
Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga was considered a high-profile option, with the Spanish club potentially willing to accept a fee in the region of £50.3m-£58m, a price deemed reasonable for Manchester City.
City have also been monitoring promising young talents, including Rosenborg’s Sverre Nypan, who is also reportedly a key target for Arsenal.
Another player on City’s radar is Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. Recent reports indicated that Manchester City scouts have been observing the midfielder, and there’s a new development in their pursuit.
According to Spanish media, Manchester City have already finalized the signing of Wharton for the upcoming summer transfer window. They were reportedly prepared to invest a “considerable amount” to finalize the deal.
Guardiola has recognized the necessity for increased midfield depth, especially after experiencing challenges in Rodri’s absence. Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace is seen as an appealing choice, having already demonstrated his capabilities in the Premier League.
While Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool were all reportedly interested in the English midfielder, this report suggests that the current Premier League champions have won the race for his signature.
Wharton as a Potential Top Signing
It’s important to approach this report with caution, as no other sources have corroborated the completion of this deal.
However, if City does successfully sign the 21-year-old, there are strong indications that he could become a valuable long-term asset at the Etihad Stadium.
During his time at Blackburn, his hometown club, Wharton was praised as “unbelievable,” and his career trajectory has been rapidly ascending. His debut season at Crystal Palace has even led to speculation about a potential call-up to the England squad for Euro 2024.
Manchester City clearly need to inject youth into their midfield, especially considering that Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne are advancing in their careers. Wharton has shown impressive statistics for a midfielder over the past year.
| Statistic | Average per 90 |
|---|---|
| Tackles | 3.20 (92nd percentile) |
| Assists | 0.16 (82nd percentile) |
| Progressive passes | 7.91 (94th percentile) |
| Shot-creating actions | 3.53 (85th percentile) |
Wharton’s transfer won’t be inexpensive; previous reports indicate a potential fee of around £66m. However, his performances for Crystal Palace suggest that he has the potential to be an excellent signing for Manchester City.
