Manchester City Scouts Eye Young Midfielder Adam Wharton

Manchester City has reportedly sent scouts to observe an international midfielder who has been likened to Jude Bellingham.

City’s Season Takes a Downturn

Manchester City’s season faced another setback with a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Despite dominating possession, City couldn’t convert their chances, and a goal from Callum Hudson-Odoi secured the win for Forest.

This loss caused City to drop out of the top four, as Chelsea overtook them after their victory against Leicester City.

Following the defeat, Guardiola openly discussed his team’s Champions League qualification prospects.

“We need to win matches, and if we don’t achieve a consistent winning streak to secure our position, it will be a fight. We have ten games remaining, and we must win many to qualify. It’s that straightforward,” stated the manager.

“To improve, we must perform better. We need to find solutions. It won’t magically happen. We have to make it happen. In challenging situations, you must discover something,” he added. “The reality is we have ten games left, starting next Saturday against Brighton, followed by an international break, and then we’ll see what unfolds.”

City Monitoring Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton

Regardless of their final league position, Guardiola is expected to strengthen his squad in the summer after a challenging season. Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is reportedly a target for City, and scouts were sent to watch him play against Ipswich Town, a game Palace won 1-0.

It is suggested that City might make a move for Wharton in the summer, as Guardiola is known to admire the 21-year-old. However, Palace are determined to retain Wharton and are prepared to offer him a significant contract extension to stay at Selhurst Park.

Wharton joined Palace from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024 and has quickly impressed. Linked with a move to Real Madrid, he has been compared to Jude Bellingham, who also moved from Birmingham City to Borussia Dortmund and then Madrid rapidly.

David Prutton commented, ‘Realistically, a move from Blackburn Rovers to Real Madrid so quickly is unexpected. But his playing style, his composure on the field, and his ability to handle pressure suggest he has the qualities to succeed at a top club.’

‘Jude Bellingham’s career path serves as a blueprint, demonstrating a quick rise to the first team, a move abroad, and then a major transfer to Real Madrid.’